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THE 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY, 



ANCIENTLY INCLUDING 



BRADFORD, BOXFORD, AND GEORGETOWN, 



FROM THE YEAR 1639 TO THE PRESENT TIME. 



By THOMAS GAGE. 



ADDRESS, 

DELIVERED SEPTEMBER 5, 1839, 



CELEBRATION OF THE SECOND CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY 
OF ITS SETTLEMENT. 

By Rev. JAMES BRADFORD. 



..a... ^■ 


'■ BOSTON? 


ERDINAND ANDREWS 


1840. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1840, by 

Thomas Ga g e, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 



CAMBRIDGE: 

FOLSOM, WELLS, AND THURSTON, 
PRINTERS TO THE UNIVERSITY. 



PREFACE. 



The early history of every town furnishes 
many incidents worth preserving. Some of 
them may be uninteresting to strangers ; but to 
native inhabitants, descendants of the Pilgrim 
Fathers, they all have an interest. To preserve 
such facts and incidents as are supposed to be 
more particularly interesting to the descendants 
of the first settlers of the ancient town of Row- 
ley, is the object of the following pages. 

The 5th day of September, 1839, having been 
set apart, in pursuance of a vote of the town, for 
the purpose of celebrating the second centennial 
anniversary of its settlement, such material facts 
were collected, as were judged proper to be in- 
corporated into addresses to be delivered on the 
occasion. The address, by the Rev. Mr. Brad- 
ford, (which makes a part of this volume,) and 
another by Thomas E. Payson, Esquire, were 
delivered, the latter of which related to the civil 
history of the town, which it was very desirable 
to have printed, and a request was accordingly 



{y PREFACE. 

made for this purpose, with which Mr. Payson 
did not think best to comply.* 

There having been much information collected 
at that time, and since, relating to the early his- 
tory of the place, it was the wish of the inhab- 
itants of the town that something, in addition to 
the Address of Mr. Bradford, might be published; 
and they having, by vote, granted to the Com- 
piler of the ensuing sheets the exclusive right of 
publishing this work, he, with diffidence in his 
ability for undertaking it, consented to comply 
with their desires. 

It may, perhaps, be proper to add, that, in its 
compilation, the records and files of ancient pa- 
pers, of the Colonial, Provincial, and State Gov- 
ernments of Massachusetts, of the County Courts, 
registry of deeds and of probate, records of the 
towns, parishes, churches, and societies of an- 
cient Rowley, have all been examined with as 
much care and attention as time would permit ; 
as also the works of various ancient historians, 
as Winthrop, Johnson, Hubbard, Mather, Lech- 
ford, Josselyn, Massachusetts Historical Collec- 
tions, with other ancient and modern works. 

* The following communication is his reply to the request. 

" Jlndover, October 1, 1839. 
'' To Willard Holbrook, Thomas Cage, and Joshua Jewett. 

" Gentlemen, — The expression of your thanks for my address 
on the 5th ultimo, has been received, together with your polite request 
for a copy for publication. Please accept my thanks for the same ; 
but I must respectfully decline having the address published. 

" Yours, i&c. Thomas E. Payson." 



PREFACE. V 

Having thus done what he could to bring out 
from the rubbish of years, the historical memen- 
tos of his native place, he now presents the col- 
lection of them, with his sincere desire, that it 
may not be unacceptable to his townsmen and 
friends, and that it may, in some measure, be, to 
the present and succeeding generations, as an 
eminence, from which they may be enabled to 
look back upon the generations of their ances- 
tors, who have already acted their parts upon 
life's stage ; — even to that time, when the ven- 
erable Rogers and his company of sixty families 
were engaged in erecting log-houses for their 
shelter from the storm, in the midst of the then 
dense forest which covered the ground, where 
the pleasant village of Rowley now stands. 

Before we proceed to the work, it is thought 
best to notice some of the measures adopted by 
the town, relative to their Centennial Celebra- 
tion, and also to annex thereto the order of 
exercises for that celebration. 

At a meeting of the inhabitants, held April 
2, 1839, it was voted. That they will set apart 
some day, during the present year, for the pur- 
pose of celebrating the second centennial anni- 
versary of the settlement of the town ; and that 
the Rev. Willard Holbrook, Joshua Jewett, Thom- 
as Gage, Thomas Payson^ Amos Saunders, Thorn- 



Yi PREFACE. 

as How, Daniel N. Prime, Edward Smith, Rich- 
ard Kimball, Benjamin H. Smith, Oliver Blackin- 
ton, and Nathaniel Mighill, be a committee, with 
instructions, to respectfully invite the inhabitants 
of Georgetown, (who have been of us and with 
us until lately,) to join with us in the celebration, 
requesting them to appoint a committee of their 
own citizens, to join with the committee of this 
town in making all necessary arrangements for 
the celebration ; and as the towns of Bradford 
and Boxford were originally a part of Rowley, 
to invite the inhabitants of those towns, also, to 
join in the celebration. The committee were 
further instructed to compile, or cause to be 
compiled from early history, from the records of 
the State, county, and town, and from the rec- 
ords of the several ancient churches, once or 
now belonging to the town of Rowley, and from 
all other available sources, all such matters and 
facts, connected with the setdement and history 
of the town, as they may think proper ; and to 
procure some suitable person, to select there- 
from such material matters and facts as he may 
deem most interesting and suitable to be incor- 
porated into an address, to be by him delivered 
on the occasion. The committee were instruct- 
ed to appoint a day for the celebration, and to 
make all necessary arrangements for the occa- 
sion. They subsequently appointed Thursday, 



PREFACE. vii 

the 5th day of September for the celebration, and 
invited the Rev. James Bradford, of Sheffield, 
and Thomas E. Pajson, Esquire, of Andover, to 
deliver each an address on that day. They ac- 
cepted the invitation, and performed the duty as- 
signed them. 

ORDER OF EXERCISES. 

1. VOLUNTARY. 
By the Band. 



•2. ANTHEM. 
*' Praise the Lord." — Comer. 

3. READING OF THE SCRIPTURE. 

BY REV. ISAAC BRAMAN. 

[From a Bible printed in 1611.] 



4. SINGING. 

BY THE CHOIR. 

[A portion of the 107th Psalm, as turned into metre, and 
set to a tune in a singing-book printed in 1604. To be 
read, line by line, as by Deacons in days of yore. The 
reading by Deacon Joshua Jevvett.] 

1 Give thanks unto the Lord our God, 

for gracious is hee : 
And that his mercie hath no ende, 
all mortall men may see. 

2 Such as the Lord redeemed hath, 

with thanks should praise his name ; 
and show how they fro— foes were freed, 
and how he wrought the same. 



viii PREFACE. 

3 Hee gathered them foorth of the lands, 
that lay so far about : 
From East to West, fro- Nx)rth to South, 
His hand did find them out. 

7 And by that way that was most right, 
Hee led them like a guide : 
That they might to a citie goe, 
and there also abide. 

37 That they may sow their pleasant land, 

and vineyards also plant : 
To yeeld them fruit of such encrease, 
as none may seem to want. 

38 They multiply exceedingly, 

the Lord doth bless them so ; 
Who doth also their brute beasts make, 
by numbers great to grow. 



5. PRAYER. 

BY REV. WILLARD HOLBROOK. 



6. ORIGINAL ODE. 

BY DANIEL N. PRIME, OF ROWLEY. 

Supreme, eternal God, 

Who sits enthroned above, 

By whose Almighty power,. 

The wheels of nature move; 
Oh! wilt Thou deign this day to hear, 
Our grateful song and humble prayer. 

When in the days of old, 

The fathers of our race. 

From persecution fled, 

To seek a resting place ; 
Where they in peace might worship Tliee^ 
From cruel priests and tyrants free. 



PREFACE. ix 

Then Thy protecting hand 

Did guide them safely o'er, 

Whilst they the ocean crossed, 

To this then desert shore ; 
And Rogers, with his little band, 
Safely arrived on freedom's land. 

Two hundred times our earth 

Has run its annual round, 

Since on this pleasant plain, 

A safe retreat they found ; 
And on this spot a church did raise, 
And dedicate it to Thy praise. 

And ever since that hour, 

Here have Thy temples stood. 

Here have our fathers met, 

To praise the living God ! 
Whose boundless power and matchless grace, 
Created and sustains our race. 

And now may we their sons. 

While in thy courts this day, 

With grateful hearts adore, 

With contrite spirits pray ; 
That He who was our fathers' friend, 
Their children here would still defend. 

Through future ages may 

Our sons and daughters join. 

With cheerful heart and voice. 

In worship so divine; 
Here Lord remain and bless our race, 
Through every age till time shall cease. 

7. ECCLESIASTICAL ADDRESS. 

BY REV. JAMES BRADFORD, OF SHEFFIELD. 



PREFACE. 

8. ANTHEM. 
** Glory be to God on High," — Mozart. 

9. CIVIL ADDRESS. 

BY THOMAS E. PAVSON, ESQ. OF ANDOVER. 



10. ORIGINAL ODE. 

Air — "From Greenland's Icy Mountains.' 

BY HON. GEORGE LUNT, OF NEWBURYPORT. 

Come, pour to lofty numbers, 

Your voices in the strain, 
Let every heart that slumbers, 

Awake to joy again. 
The golden dawn returning, 

Shall bid our bosoms glow, 
For that in heaven burning, 

Two hundred years ago. 

That day whose wondrous story, 

Our fathers oft have told ; 
That day whose deepening glory 

Let age on age unfold, — 
When hoary sire and childhood, 

And youths in virgin glow, 
Stood underneath the wildwood, 

Two hundred years ago. 

The frowning forest o'er them, — 

The savage foe around, — 
And all the hope before them 

Within their strong hearts bound, 
Yet pilgrims, worn and weary. 

They hailed with grateful glow 
A desert home so dreary. 

Two hundred years ago. 

When danger's need was sorest, 
They called on Him to save, 



PREFACE. xi 



By whom they broke the forest, 
And bade the harvests wave ; 

Across the wintry ocean, 
Or 'mid the fiercer foe, 

He calmed each wild commotion 
Two hundred years ago. 

Their graves are all around us, 

In venerable age ; 
Their pleasant homes surround us, 

A goodly heritage ; — 
Yet warmer let each bosom 

Its manly thanks bestow 
For Freedom's flower, in blossom 

Two hundred years ago 

11. PRAYER. 

BY REV. BENJAMIN GRAFTON. 



12. CLOSING ANTHEM. 
" Hallelujah to the Father." — Beethoven. 



The following is the order in which the procession formed 
upon the common, at eleven o'clock, A. M., and thence pro- 
ceeded to the Congregational Meeting-house, under escort 
of a volunteer company of young men belonging to the 
town, commanded by Capt. Nathaniel Perley. Music by 
Salem Brass Band. 

Aid. Chief Marshal (mounted). Aid. 

Escort. 

Marshal. 

President and Vice-Presidents of the Day. 

Marshal. Orators and Officiating Clergymen. Marshal. 



xii PREFACE. 

Town Officers. 

Marshal. Invited Guests, Marshal. 

Committee of Arrangements. 

Clergymen. 

Marshal. 

National and State Officers. 

Marshal. Soldiersof the Revolution (in carriages). Marshal. 

Marshal. 

Marshal. Strangers and Citizens generally. Marshal. 

After the services of the Church, the invited guests and 
subscribers to the dinner formed a procession under the 
same escort, and proceeded to a substantial pavilion, erected 
for the purpose upon the common, where from three hun- 
dred and fifty to four hundred gentlemen and ladies partook 
of a dinner prepared by Edward Smith and John B. Savory, 
Esquires. Grace was said at the table by Rev. David T. 
Kimball, of Ipswich, and thanks returned by Rev. Mr. Den- 
nis, Agent of the American Education Society. 

After the cloth was removed, various sentiments were 
offered, and addresses made, suited to the occasion. 

The publisher was called to act as President of the Day, 
assisted by Brigadier-General Solomon Low, (who also 
acted as Chief Marshal,) Joshua Jewett, and Thomas 
Payson, Esquires, as Vice-Presidents. 

The pavilion was one hundred and sixty feet long by 
twenty-five feet in width, which was, under the direction of 
Horatio G. Somerby of Boston, tastefully decorated with 
evergreens, pictures, and national banners, blended and 
woven together by the ladies in an enchanting man- 
ner. The church, in which the public exercises of the 
day were performed, was, by the same gentleman, beau- 
tifully ornamented in a style that reflected much credit 
on his taste and fancy. A broad platform was erect- 
ed around the house, for the accommodation of such as 



PREFACE. xiii 

could not obtain seats witliin, and the lower windows so dis- 
posed of, as to give those without an opportunity of hearing. 

Many antique relics were displayed. In the procession 
was an elderly gentleman, with an old lady of eighty-six, 
mounted on a pillion, both in full dress of olden time, not 
omitting the cocked hat and powdered wig ; also, two young 
ladies, one dressed in a full wedding suit, made and worn 
on the bridal day of another lady, more than one hundred 
years before; the other in a full wedding-dress of about 
seventy years' standing. A man, well acquainted with the 
manners and customs of the American Indians, in full In- 
dian costume, carrying the pipe and armour of tlie late 
Black Hawk, an Indian chief, was in the procession, and 
excited the curiosity of many. In front of tlie pulpit, in 
the meeting-house, was displayed an old weather vane, made 
of a thin plate of iron, with the figures, 1697, cut through 
it. This was the date of the second meeting-house built 
in Rowley, upon the steeple of which, it buffeted many a 
storm, and sprung to every wind that blew for more than 
half a century. In the pavilion were displayed various ar- 
ticles wrought by the Indians, some very ancient books 
brought from England by the first settlers of Rowley. A 
piece of embroidery of curious workmanship, wrought by 
Sarah Phillips, (daughter of the Rev. Samuel Phillips, the 
second tninister of Rowley,) more than one hundred and 
sixty years ago, attracted much attention, and is now owned 
by Miss Hannah Perley, the said Sarah Phillips being 
grandmother to the said Hannah's grandfather ; and it is 
hoped the same will be preserved, and shown at the next 
centennial celebration in Rowley. A large armed chair, 
with a set of heavy leather-bottomed chairs, supposed to 
have been brought from England by the first settlers of the 
town, was used at the late centennial dinner. 

Is it not desirable, that the events of this memorable fes- 
tival should be collected and preserved, and transmitted to 
b 



xiv PREFACE. 

our descendants, to those who shall occupy our place when 
another century shall have passed away ? Could we have 
found any written or printed account of the doings of our 
Fathers one hundred years ago, at a first Centennial Obser- 
vance of the settlement of the town, with what pleasure 
and satisfaction should we have read it, and alluded to it 
in this celebration. But alas, none is found ; for none ex- 
ists. We should therefore consider ourselves obliged by 
duty to see to it, that a third Centennial epoch shall not be 
without some account of the doings of the second. And 
may the laudable doings of the town, in getting up and sus- 
taining this celebration, be a precedent for all coming time. 

Some of the regular sentiments or toasts above alluded 
to, given out by Amory Holbrook as Toast-Master, with a 
few of the volunteer sentiments, here follow, viz. 

1st. The memory of our Fathers, — Next to their holy 
religion, the richest legacy which they have left us. 

2d. The Reverend Ezekiel Rogers, — Eminent for piety, 
for wisdom, and for learning, — one of the earliest benefac- 
tors of Harvard College and of the Church ; he was among 
the brightest glories of New England's first age. 

3d. The Reverend Samuel Phillips. — As founders of our 
public schools, as patrons of our benevolent and religious 
institutions, as the brightest examples of private charity and 
public beneficence, we honor his descendants to this day. 

6th. Rogers, Phillips, and Payson, — Choice stones in 
the temple of righteousness ; future generations shall rise 
up and call them blessed. 

9th. The day we celebrate, — Sacred to the great and 
good of other times ; we will tell their wonderful story to 
our children, that they may transmit it again to theirs. 

Volunteer. By the Honorable Caleb Cushing of New- 
buryport. " The foundation stones of New England insti- 
tutions, — Religion, Liberty., and Virtue. May they be 
eternal in their influence upon all the sons of the Pilgrims. 



PREFACE. XV 

By a Lady. *' The Mothers^ Wives^ and Daughters of 
our Puritan ancestors. — May their bright examples, in 
sustaining Religion, Liberty, and Virtue, be eagerly sought 
after, and carefully followed by their happy descendants." 

Interesting speeches were made by the Honorable Caleb 
Gushing, the Honorable Stephen C. Phillips, of Salem, John 
P. Hale, Esquire, of Dover, District Attorney of New 
Hampshire, and by various other persons. 

Communications from various invited guests, who could 
not make it convenient to attend, were read by the Toast 
Master. Among others, one from his Excellency, Edward 
Everett, Governor of the Commonwealth, Hon. Josiah 
Quincy, L. L. D., President of Harvard University, Hon. 
Daniel A. White, Judge of Probate for Essex County, 
Hon. Leverett Saltonstall, of Salem, member of Congress, 
Hon. George Lunt, of Newburyport, and Hon. Gayton P. 
Osgood, of Andover. 

The address by Thomas E. Payson, Esquire, on the civil 
history of the town, followed that by Mr. Bradford. In the 
introduction of which, Mr. Payson very correctly observed, 
that the history of the New England settlements was but a 
history of the church ; and, of course, his broadest ground 
had been previously gone over ; but (as was justly remarked 
at the time by one of his hearers) " he executed his task in 
excellent style, and wrought up his materials with the hand 
of a master. Chaste, elegant, and graceful in its compo- 
sition, the delivery was worthy of the style and the subject. 
The oration gave evidence of fine taste, and of talents of no 
common order. It was matter of regret, that want of time 
obliged him to omit a part of his address." 

The compiler of this work had a great desire, that Mr. 
Payson's address should make a part thereof, and go down 
to posterity with it. But Mr. Payson was of opinion, that, 
what of civil history he had, in detached parcels, incorpo- 
rated into his address, would not very much abridge the 



xvi PREFACE. 

labor of writing a history of the town, and therefore thought 
it best to witlihold t!ie copy. 

On the evening of the day following the celebration, one 
hundred and sixty young ladies and gentlemen formed a 
pic-nic party, and partook of a supper in the pavilion, pro- 
vided by the aforenamed Smith and Savory, after which 
they proceeded to the completion of what they considered 
the unfinished business of the celebration. 

The invitation to the citizens of Georgetown was accept- 
ed by them in town-meeting, April 8, 1839, when they ap- 
pointed the Rev. Isaac Braman, Solomon Nelson, Amos J. 
Tenney, George Spofford, Jeremiah Jewett, Ira Siickney, 
David Mighill, Jeremiah Russell, and Benjamin Winter, a 
committee, to join with the committee of Rowley in making 
arrangements for the celebration. A majority of this com- 
mittee met several times with the committee of Rowley, and 
very cordially cooperated with them in making their ar- 
rangements ; which cooperation they continued till a subse- 
quent meeting of the town of Georgetown was holden, when 
that town, by vote, declined making an aj)propriation for 
defraying any part of the expense of the celebration ; after 
which the committee of that town thought it proper for 
them to omit further action on the subject. Upon their 
withdrawal, the committee of Rowley, by vote, extended an 
invitation, with a request, to the committee of Georgetown, 
to continue to act with them as before. 

Notwithstanding that town declined making an appro- 
priation in their corporate capacity, yet some of the citizens 
thereof contributed liberally to the object, and took a lively 
interest in helping forward the celebration, and aided by 
their personal services. 

The compiler acknowledges himself to have been greatly 
obliged by various persons in the contribution of matter for 
this work. To the Rev. Joseph B. Felt, of Boston, and 
David Pulsifer, 3(1, Esq., of Salem, special acknowledg- 
ments are due. 



PREFACE. xvii 

The Secretary of the Commonweakh, the Register of 
Deeds and of Probate in Essex, the Clerks of the Courts in 
Suffolk and Essex, the Librarians of various Libraries con- 
taining ancient and rare books, have all manifested great 
politeness in permitting the compiler to have free access to 
the records and books in their respective care. 

*' Man, through all ages of revolving time, 
Unchanging man, in every varying clime. 
Deems his own land of every land the pride, 
Beloved by Heaven o'er all the world beside." 



CONTENTS 





Page 


Mr. Bradford's Address, 


1 


(Appendix to Address.) 




Ezekiel Rogers, .... 


55 


Samuel Phillips, ..... 


. Q7 


Samuel Shepard, .... 


74 


Jeremiah Shepard, .... 


75 


Edward Payson, , . . . 


77 


Jedidiah Jewett, ..... 


84 


John Blydenburgh, .... 


85 


Ebenezer Bradford, .... 


. 88 


Willard Holbrook, .... 


89 


Deacons in First Church, 


90 


James Chandler, .... 


. " 91 


Isaac Braman, ..... 


94 


Deacons in Second Church, 


95 


Ministers and Deacons of Byfield Parish, 


95 


George Leslie, .... 


98 


Gilbert T. Williams, .... 


. 100 


First Baptist Church and its Ministers, 


101 


Second Baptist Church and its Ministers, 


. 104 


First Church in Bradford, 


105 


East Church in Bradford, 


. 110 


First Church in Boxford, 


111 


Second Church in Boxford, 


. 114 


HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 




Plymouth and Massachusetts settled. 


117 


Rogers and his Company, 


. 120 


House Lots laid out, .... 


123 


Names of First Settlers, .... 


. 130 



CONTENTS. 


xix 


Other House Lots laid out, .... 


132 


Town Boundaries, .... 


. 134 


Counties first formed, .... 


136 


Military Matters, ..... 


. 137 


By-Laws, ...... 


138 


Other Settlers to 1700, . . 


. 145 


Gorton and others, " Blasphemous Enemies," &c. 


149 


Hog-Island Marshes laid out, 


. 150 


Well keeping of the Sabbath, 


151 


Freemen's Oath, &c. .... 


. 153 


Governors, how elected, .... 


155 


Andros's Usurpation, .... 


. 157 


New Charter, ..... 


167 


Witchcraft, ..... 


. 168 


Indian Hostilities and Military Matters, 


178 


Eastern Indians, ..... 


. 192 


Port Royal taken, ..... 


194 


Canada Expedition, .... 


. 195 


Goodrich Family killed by Indians, 


200 


Military Officers appointed, 


. 203 


French War of 1744, .... 


205 


Massacre of Fort William Henry, 


. 214 


French War, continued, .... 


223 


Peace with France, 1763, 


. 226 


Stamp Act, and Troubles with England, 


227 


Whig Covenant, ..... 


. 233 


Recantations of Tories, .... 


234 


Letters from Boston, &c. 


. 237 


Causes of War, ..... 


243 


Revolutionary War, Constitution adopted, &c. 


. 250 


Expense of the War, and Men furnished by Rowley, 


291 


Shays's Insurrection, .... 


. 293 


Soldiers detached, ..... 


301 


Address to President Adams, Resolves, &c. 


. 302 


War of 1812, ..... 


309 


First Parish, ..... 


. 315 


New Rowley, or Second Parish, first settled. 


320 


Byfield Parish, ..... 


. 329 


Division of Land with Harvard College, 


331 



XX 



CONTENTS. 



Division of Land among the Parishes, 

Merrimack Lands, first settled, laid out, &c 

Village Land, laid out, &c. 

Indian Purchase, Deeds, &c. 

Town Clerks, 

Representatives, 

Graduates, 

Physicians, 

Schools, 

Population, 

Taxes and Valuations, 

Statistics of Boots and Shoes made 

Town Paupers, 

Votes for Governor since 1780, 

Mills, 

Hills, Ponds, &c. 

Earthquakes, 

Dark Day, 

Remarkable Preservation, 

Bunker Hill Monument, 

Destruction by Fire, 

Burial Grounds, 

Deaths by Casualty, &c. . 

Genealogical Register, 

People of Color, 

Post-Offices and Post-Roads, &c. 

Old and New Style, 

Annexations, . 

Various Items, 



337 
341 
356 
371 
382 
383 
385 
390 
392 
397 
398 
403 
405 
408 
410 
414 
415 
417 
424 
426 
427 
428 
433 
438 
462 
463 
466 
467 
468 



AN 

ADDRESS, 

DELIVERED AT ROWLEY, MASS., 
September 5th, 1839, 

AT THE CELEBRATION OF THE 

SECOND CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY 

OF THE 

SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN, 

EMBRACING ITS 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY FROM THE BEGINNING. 

By JAMES BRADFORD, 

A NATIVE OF ROWLEY, AND FASTOR OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 
IN SHEFFIELD, 



To the Rev. James Bradford. 
Dear Sir, 
The undersigned, in behalf of the Commiltee of Arrangements for 
celebrating the Second Centennial Anniversary of the settlement of 
Rowley, hereby express their thanks for your very acceptable Address, 
delivered yesterday, and respectfully request of you a copy for publi- 
cation. 

Signed, WILLARD HOLBROOK, 
THOMAS GAGE, 
JOSHUA JEWETT. 
Rowley, September 6th, 1839. 



To the Rev. Willard Holbrook, Thomas Gage, Esquire, and 
Deacon Joshua Jewett, acting in behalf of the Committee of Ar- 
rangements for celebrating the Second Centennial Anniversary of 
the settlement of Rowley. 

Gentlemen, 
Your communication, expressing your thanks for, and approbation 
of, the Address, which I had the honor of delivering here on the 5th 
instant, and requesting a copy for the press, I have received with 
satisfaction. In compliance with your request, I submit the manu- 
script to your disposal, earnestly desiring, that whatever of excel- 
lence there is in it, may be for the perpetuity of the hallowed institu- 
tions of our holy religion, among the inhabitants of this ancient town, 
during all coming time. 

Accept, Gentlemen, for yourselves, and the respected committee, 
in whose beiialf you act, my most cordial thanks for the kind recep- 
tion and very generous treatment I have received among you. 
Very respectfully your townsman and friend, 

JAMES BRADFORD. 
Rowley, 6th September, 1839. 



ADDRESS. 



In the history of every people are events of peculiar 
notoriety, which latest posterity is disposed fondly to 
cherish, and which may be commemorated with great 
propriety, pleasure, and profit. The parts of history, 
which usually, if not invariably, please and instruct 
us most, are those which exhibit to us illustrious per- 
sons, in perilous situations, retaining their integrity, 
conducting themselves with wisdom in the prosecution 
of important objects, and overcoming great difficulties, 
by untiring patience, unyielding fortitude, and unshaken 
trust in God ; and crowned, at length, with victory over 
all opposition, and the smiles of approving Heaven. 

To the inhabitants of New^ England, and especially of 
this Commonwealth, it would seem, that no subject could 
be presented, that would claim deeper attention, and 
take stronger hold on the heart, than the history of God's 
wonderful dispensations towards their forefathers, and 
particularly their Puritan and Pilgrim forefathers. To 
their self-denial, their wisdom,' their constancy, their la- 
bors, their valor, their perseverance, privations, piety, 
and prayers, we owe, under God, and our posterity to 
the latest generation will owe, the possession of privi- 
leges, civil and religious, surpassing those of any other 
people upon earth. 



4 ADDRESS. 

To call to mind the virtues of those who have gone 
before us, to impress more deeply upon the heart a 
sense of the exalted privileges we enjoy, and, above all, 
to fill and expand our soul with grateful emotions to him 
from whom all good comes, is, I apprehend, the lau- 
dable object of our meeting here, to-day, to celebrate 
this second centennial anniversary of the settlement of 
this town. 

How admirable are the operations of Divine Provi- 
dence ! In how delightful, and yet how astonishing a 
manner, does God often accomplish the purposes he 
wisely and graciously determines ! Infinite in holiness, 
he proposes the best ends, and, infinite in wisdom, he 
attains these ends in the best manner ; often by means 
even which seem to have a most contrary tendency. It 
is God's high prerogative to bring good out of evil, 
and, with untarnished purity and inscrutable wisdom, to 
make the wrath of man even to accomplish his purposes 
of mercy, and erect monuments of praise to his name. 

Empire, learning, and religion, in ages gone by, have 
been moving onward from east to west, and this conti- 
nent is their last western stage ; the vast Pacific, which 
bounds our country towards the setting sun, will bound 
their further progress in this direction. Here, in this 
extensive territory, on this broad and elevated stage, 
had God doubtless designed to exhibit a wonderful dis- 
play of his wisdom, power, and truth, through the agen- 
cy of a people raised up for that very purpose. But by 
what instrumentality was this mighty work to be com- 
menced } It was through the mysterious instrumentality 
of persecution I Yes, it was the crushing, grinding in- 
fluence of the persecutor's hand, both in church and 
state, which was made instrumental, in the wonder-work- 



ADDRESS. 5 

ing providence of God, in peopling this our land with 
godly and learned men, and of rearing our goodly fabrics 
of freedom, piety, and literature, the blessings of which 
are to descend to countless myriads yet unborn, both 
here and in distant regions of the earth. 

As the settlement of this town was made by those 
who fled hither from the privations and persecutions ex- 
perienced at home ; especially as the church was here 
organized, and the gospel ministry here commenced, by 
the Puritans, and sustained, for a long time, by those di- 
rectly descended from the Puritan fathers, there surely 
will be a propriety, on this occasion, in briefly tracing 
the events which led them from privileges, kindred, and 
home, to seek an asylum in this then inhospitable and 
solitary region. 

The church of Christ, as established by the inspired 
Apostles, was as pure as the materials of which it was 
constituted would permit. But, through the perverse- 
ness of human nature, it eventually became deeply cor- 
rupted, both in faith and practice. This corruption, in 
the fourteenth century after Christ, was great indeed ; 
but at the close of the fifteenth, and in the commence- 
ment of the sixteenth, it became extreme and intolerable. 
The Pope had not only assumed the authority in spiritual 
matters belonging to God alone, but, in worldly matters 
also, had declared himself the sovereign of the whole 
earth, and endeavoured to sustain his pretensions by 
measures the most presumptuous, absurd, oppressive, 
and cruel. John Wicklifl^e, of England, as early as 
1360, and soon after, his martyred pupils in Bohemia, 
Jerome of Prague and John Huss, seem first to have 
arisen against the dominant usurpations of the Romish 
church, sowing the seeds of the subsequent reformation, 
1* 



Q ADDRESS. 

and thus preparing the way for future reformers. But, 
in 1517, the undaunted Martin Luther, of Germany, and, 
about the same time, Zulnglius, of Switzerland, and the 
celebrated Melancthon, made a vigorous and successful 
onset upon the extravagant superstitions then prevalent. 
This, with what followed by men of like feelings, as 
Calvin, Knox, Cranmer, and others, aroused the dor- 
mant energies of the palsied world, opened the way for 
complete emancipation from the shackles of popish dom- 
ination, and led to the establishment of the church in 
the order and purity of the gospel. This was the com- 
mencement cf what is called, by way of eminence, the 
Reformation. But this was opposed, as it appeared in 
England, by Henry the Eighth, then king, with all the 
influence he possessed. In 1547, he was succeeded by 
his son, the amiable, sagacious, and virtuous Edward the 
Sixth, a firm friend and efficient supporter of the Refor- 
mation. He had just put in operation the wisest plans 
to eradicate from his dominions the sordid fictions of 
popery, and establish, in their place, the pure doctrines 
and practices of Christianity, when death removed him, 
after a reign of but six years. Mary, the sister of Ed- 
ward, succeeded him. Her natural temper was tyran- 
nical and cruel, almost beyond conception ; and she was 
madly zealous for the Romish cause. Persecution, in 
its most barbarous and horrid forms, was employed 
against all who acceded not to her wishes, or attempted 
in the least to favor the Reformation. It was under her 
cruel reign, that the eminent John Rogers, the first of 
many who sufi^ered death at the stake for their adherence 
to truth and duty, was burnt at Smithfield. Many of 
the reformers were driven to the continent, and look 
refuge in France, Flanders, Germany, and Switzerland. 



ADDRESS. 7 

But this reign of terror, blood, and death was short, 
having continued but about five years, being happily end- 
ed, in 1558, by the death of Mary, and the accession of 
her half-sister, Elizabeth, to the throne. But Elizabeth, 
though more mild in her natural temperament, as well as 
in the exercise of her authority, having delivered her 
people from the thraldom of Rome, and established that 
form of religious doctrine and ecclesiastical government, 
which now exists in England, was still disposed to ad- 
here to many of the tenets of popery, and many of its 
superstitious and idolatrous forms. Having the supreme 
power over all ecclesiastical and spiritual matters by an 
act of Parliament, and obtained a law to enforce an uni- 
formity of doctrines and ceremonies throughout the 
realm, and established the High Court of Commission for 
the punishing of all who refused to comply with the act 
of conformity, it is easy to perceive to what wretched 
straits the friends of pure religion were now subjected, 
under her reign even. On the accession of this queen to 
the throne, many of those who had been exiles in foreign 
lands, from the cruelties of Mary, returned to their native 
country ; and, bringing back with them enlarged views of 
ecclesiastical discipline and divine worship, became very- 
zealous, with others of like sentiments, for a more per- 
fect reformation in the Church of England, and for dis- 
burdening the services of religion from all the innova- 
tions and impositions of popery. Hence, by way of re- 
proach, they were denominated Puritans ; and hence, 
also, many were summoned before the Court of Commis- 
sion, and questioned, reproved, threatened, and com- 
manded to comply with the ceremonies appointed by 
law. But the Puritans uniformly declared, that, in their 
sincerest belief, a compliance would be a violation of 



8 ADDRESS. 

their duty to God, and begged to remain unnfiolestedwh ile 
they disturbed not the pubhc peace. But no favor was 
shown them. A large number of ministers, many of 
them of the most learned, pious, and popular, were de- 
prived of their functions, separated from their families, 
confined in common prisons, and subjected to privations 
and penalties which reduced them to poverty. 

Under King James the First, who came to the British 
throne in 1603, and who was educated in the Reformed 
Church of Scotland, the Puritans expected relief from 
oppression. But in this they were disappointed. James 
embraced, and rigorously adhered to, the same principles 
which had been adopted by Elizabeth, and resorted to 
the same cruel methods to support them. The only 
considerable favor the Puritans could obtain of him was 
a translation of the Bible^ which is now in use, and 
which was done in 1611 ; a copy of which, bearing that 
date, is now in possession of the descendants of the 
first settlers of this town, and was brought here by them 
from their native land. 

No light beaming upon the Puritans from any quarter, 
they began to conceive the design, of seeking abroad 
that religious freedom which they could not have at 
home. At first, individuals and single families emi- 
grated to Holland ; but, as the numbers increased, gov- 
ernment interposed, and prohibited, by proclamation, all 
departures. But the Puritans weie not longer to be 
confined by the chains of tyranny ; through privations, 
and toils, and sufferings unparalleled, they urged their 
way ; and, eventually, a Mr. John Robinson, with his 
people, secured a retreat in Holland. There they re- 
mained, with others that joined them, about eleven 
years ; when, by the desire to be freed from many in- 



ADDRESS. 9 

conveniences to which they were subjected, and by the 
more powerful motive, the hope of laying a foundation 
for the extensive advancement of the Redeemer's king- 
dom in these then wild and inhospitable regions, they 
were induced to remove to America. A part of the 
company at Holland, uniting with others in England, 
sailed on the 6th of September, 1620, and, on the 10th 
of November, arrived at Cape Cod, and, on the 22d of 
December, 1620, landed, with their effects, at Plymouth, 
one hundred and one souls. In 1621, their number was 
increased by the addition of thirty-five of their friends 
and associates from Holland. 

In 1628, Mr. Endecott, who may be considered the 
founder of Massachusetts, with a company of about one 
hundred, landed at, and commenced the settlement of, 
Salem, and was the governor of the new plantation. In 
June, 1629, three hundred more arrived at the same 
place. The next year, 1630, Mr. John Winthrop, 
having been constituted governor of the colony, and his 
suit, with fifteen hundred settlers, came over ; some of 
whom sat down at Charlestown, and others at Boston. 
Indeed, every year produced additions to the colony till 
1640. At that time civil war broke out at home, and 
emigrations ceased. From 1620 to 1640, a term of 
twenty years, it is computed, that the number of emi- 
grants to this country amounted to four thousand fami- 
lies, or about twenty-one thousand British subjects, 
among whom were many persons of great learning, emi- 
nent piety, and high distinction ; many in easy, and 
others in affluent, circumstances. 

Among the later emigrants were those, who, two hun- 
dred years ago, sat down in this place, and here reared, 
and fostered, and handed down to posterity, the Inesti- 
mable institutions of religion and learning. 



10 ADDRESS. 

The Rev. Ezekiel Rogers, who was at the head of 
this settlement, was the first minister of the town. He 
was born in England in 1590, and was the son of 
the eminently pious and learned divine, Rev. Richard 
Rogers of Wealhersfield, Essex County, England. In 
childhood and early youth, our Mr. Rogers was distin- 
guished for genius, discernment, and learning. At the 
age of twenty he was graduated, at the university at Cam- 
bridge, as master of arts. Till about this lime in life, 
he himself says, in the preamble of his will, " I made 
but ill use of my knowledge, and lived in a formal pro- 
fession of religion. The Lord was pleased, by occa- 
sion of a sore sickness, which was likely to be death, to 
make me see the worth and need of Christ, and to take 
such hold of him, as that I could never let him go to 
this hour ; whereby I am now encouraged to bequeath 
and commit my soul into his hands, who hath redeemed 
it, and my body to the earth, since he will give me, 
with these eyes, to see my Redeemer." Having fin- 
ished his education, he became chaplain in the pious, 
learned, and accomplished family of Sir Francis Barring- 
ton, of Essex. His public services, both of prayer and 
preaching, at this early time of life even, were attend- 
ed with such powerful strains of oratory, that his min- 
istry was very acceptable, much frequented, and re- 
markably successful. After five or six years, profit- 
ably and usefully spent in this family. Sir Francis be- 
stowed upon Mr. Rogers the benefice of Rowley, in 
Yorkshire, where he labored, with great fidelity and em- 
inent usefulness, for seventeen years. At length, un- 
willing to conform^ he was suspended, and was induced 
to seek a retreat from oppression and persecution, and 
the privilege of worshipping God according to the die- 



ADDRESS. 1 1 

tates of his own conscience, in this land of the Pilgrims ; 
or, as he himself tells the tale, " for refusing to read 
that accursed book that allowed sports on God's holy 
Sabbath, or Lord's day, I was suspended, and, by it 
and other sad signs of the times, driven, with many of 
my hearers, into New England." Mr. Rogers arrived 
in this country with many respectable families of his 
Yorkshire friends, " godly men," as the historian says, 
" and most of them of good estate," in the autumn of 
1638. He commenced the settlement of this place, in 
April, 1639, with sixty families, who labored in common 
about five years ; but the act of incorporation was not 
had till the 4th of September following. On the 3d 
of December, 1639, Mr. Rogers was installed pastor 
over the church, which was, probably, at that time or- 
ganized ; for we are informed, in the words of the histo- 
rian, under this date, that " they," that is, the professed 
friends of Christ then here, " renewed their church 
covenant, and their call of Mr. Rogers to the office of 
pastor, according to the course of other churches " ; 
and it appears, that Thomas Mighill and Maximilian 
Jewett were, at the same time^ appointed deacons. The 
number of which the church was first constituted, in the 
absence of all records, cannot be determined. But if 
sixty families, meriting the eminent appellation of '-'• god- 
ly,^^ had taken up their abode here, it will not be ex- 
travagant to suppose, that there were one hundred and 
fifty members at the commencement, probably more.* 

* The particulars of the organization of the church, the installation 
of Mr. Rogers, the number of members of which the church was first 
constituted, numbers added, &c., cannot be stated ; for, if they were 
recorded in church records, those records were lost by the fire which 
consumed the dwelling of Mr. Rogers, near the close of his life. 



12 ADDRESS. 

Mr. Rogers had an annual salary of sixty pounds. The 
first meeting-house was probably built in 1639 ; so emi- 
nent were the Puritans, and so eminent are their genuine 
descendants, to make the attainment of a place of wor- 
ship the object of their first concern. I say, probably 
in 1639 ; for, early in the year following^ mention is 
made of it in an order of the General Court ; and the 
site of it was the very spot, or near it, where the present 
congregational meeting-house now stands. Mr. Rogers 
was a man of undoubted and ardent piety, sound learn- 
ing, zealous and persevering in his efforts to advance the 
cause of truth and holiness, and, for a considerable por- 
tion of his life, at least, of great influence. Strong and 
ardent in his passions, he was sometimes hurried from 
the straight line of Christian duty ; but such was his hu- 
mility, that he was always ready to acknowledge his er- 
rors and retrace his steps. His praise was in all the 
churches about him, but especially in his own ; where 
his preaching, consisting peculiarly of the doctrines " of 
regeneration^ and union to the Lord Jesus Christ by 
faith,^^ was eminently successful. " In the management 
of these points," says Cotton Mather, '' he had a no- 
table faculty of penetrating into the souls of his hearers, 
and manifesting the very secrets of their hearts. His 
prayers and sermons would make such lively representa- 
tions of the thoughts then working in the minds of his 
people, that it would amaze them to see their own con- 
dition so exactly represented. And his occasional dis- 
courses with his people, especially with the young ones 
among them, and, most of all, with such as had been, by 
their deceased parents, recommended unto his watchful 
care, were marvellously profitable. He was a tree of 
knowledge, but so laden with fruit, that he stooped for 



ADDRESS. 13 

the very children to pick off the apples ready to drop 
into their mouths. Sometimes they would come to his 
house, a dozen in an evening ; and, calling them up into 
his study, one by one, he would examine them, how 
they walked with God ? How they spent their time ? 
What good books they read ? Whether they prayed 
without ceasing ? And he would therewithal admonish 
them to take heed of such temptations and corruptions, 
as he thought most endangered them. And if any dif- 
ferences had fallen out among his people, he would forth- 
with send for them, to lay before him the reason of their 
differences ; and such was his interest in them, that he 
usually healed and stopped all their little contentions, 
before they could break out into any open flames." It 
is said, that a traveller, passing through town, inquired 
of him, " Are you. Sir, the person who serves here ? " 
To whom he replied, " I am. Sir, the person who rules 
here." 

So prominent and commanding were his talents, that 
he was persuaded, in addition to his labors on the Sab- 
bath, to give a lecture once in two iveelcs, for the benefit 
of the inhabitants of other towns, as well as of his own ; 
which was well attended, and with great satisfaction ar.d 
profit. But on account of this increased labor, a col- 
league was settled to assist him.* In the latter part of 
his life, Mr. Rogers was subjected to many calamities. 
As Cotton Mather says, " The rest of this good man's 
time in the world was winter ; he saw more nights than 



*lt is not known how ]ong the lecture, commenced by Mr. Rogers, 
was continued ; but a monthly k^cture, holden on the first Wednesday 
of each month, was early established, and regularly sustained until 
since the commencement of the present century. 

2 



14 ADDRESS. 

days." The wife of bis youth, who accompanied him 
from England, with all their children, he buried at the 
expiration of about ten years. A second wife, the 
daughter of the Rev. John Wilson, the first minister of 
Boston, with a child, he was soon called to follow also 
to the grave. He married a third wife, widow of 
Thomas Barker, who survived him about seventeen 
years ; but the very night of this marriage, July 16th, 
1651, his dwelling-house, with all his goods, the church 
records, and the library he brought with him from Eng- 
land, was consumed by fire. Soon after these events, a 
fall from his horse so injured his right arm, that it was 
ever after useless. All these distressing calamities befell 
this man of God in rapid succession, and within four or 
five years, which, it might well be supposed, with the 
infirmities incident to advanced life, would utterly break 
down his spirits, and paralyze all future efl^Drts. But 
such were not their effects. He sustained them with 
Christian fortitude and resignation. His house was re- 
built ; his library replenished ; his left hand was substi- 
tuted for the right ; his ministerial labors were continued ; 
and his heart was still set on doing good, and promoting 
the honor of God. After a lingering illness, he died, 
January 23d, 1660- ], in the seventieth year of his age, 
and the twenty-second of his ministry in Rowley. His 
leraains were interred in the grave-yard in this vicinity. 
But "the tardy justice of the age" did not erect a 
monument to Rogers until 1805, which was then done 
at the expense of fhis parish. 

By his will, bearing date, April 17th, 1660, Mr. 
Rogers gave lands of considerable value to the church 
and town of Rowley, " for the better enabling them to 
carry on the ministry for ever," on condition they should 



ADDRESS. 15 

pay Ezekiel Rogers, a son of his kinsman, Nathaniel 
Rogers, of Ipswich, the sum of " eight score pounds." 
This condition was comphed with at the expense of 
more than half the value of all the lands. A due pro- 
portion of this legacy was received by the west parish, 
and about half of Byfield, then belonging to Rowley, 
when they were incorporated as separate societies. The 
property now possessed by this parish, in virtue of 
this clause of Mr. Rogers's will, is estimated at about 
$2,000. The value of other lands of the parish, pos- 
sessed from different sources, is about $ 2,600. Mr. 
Rogers gave also to Harvard College, the oldest liter- 
ary institution of the kind in our country, founded 
in 1638, the year of his arrival in New England, the 
principal part of his library ; and, further, to the church 
and town of Rowley, all his houses and lands, the 
use of which he had bequeathed to his wife, on con- 
dition, that they " maintain two teaching elders," that 
is, a pastor and colleague, " in the church for ever " ; 
allowing four years for the settling of an elder from 
time to time, as vacancies occurred, by death or other- 
wise ; not doing this, the whole was to be forfeited 
to Harvard College. This condition ceased to be com- 
plied with, about 1700, during the ministry of Mr. Pay- 
son, thirty-nine years after Mr. Rogers's death ; and the 
College claimed, and eventually received, the legacy 
about 1734. The whole estate was estimated at about 
<£ 1536, so that, in fact, Mr. Rogers was no incon- 
siderable donor to that ancient and honorable institution. 
(Appendix, A. 1.) 

Mr. John Miller, one of the first settlers of the town, 
was a minister of the gospel, and an assistant of Mr. 
Rogers, for about two years after his installation. He 



16 ADDRESS. 

was designated, with two others, in 1641, by the elders, 
at a meeting in Boston, to go as a missionary to Vir- 
ginia. This service he declined, and was soon after 
settled in Yarmouth ; from thence eventually he re- 
moved to Groton, where he died in 1663.* 

The second pastor of this church was the Rev. Samuel 
Phillips, the eldest son of the Rev. George Phillips, 
who was a native of the county of Norfolk, England, 
and educated there at the university of Cambridge. He 
was an eminently learned, pious, devoted, and success- 
ful preacher, at Boxford, Essex county, where Samuel 
Phillips was born in 1625. The father, unwilling to 
conform, came to New England with Governor Win- 
throp, in 1630, bringing with him his son Samuel, then 
about five years old, and became the first minister of 
Watertown in this State. His death, which took place 
in 1664, was deeply lamented by the church in Water- 
town, who manifested their great respect for him by edu- 
cating this son, Samuel, who, in 1650, was graduated 
at Harvard College. In June, 1651, he was ordained 
here, colleague pastor with the Rev. Mr. Rogers, in 
the twelfth year of Mr. Rogers's ministry, and ten 
years before his death, with a salary of from £ 50 to 
£ 90 yearly, according to the expense of living. In the 
autumn of the same year in which he was ordained, he 
married Sarah, daughter of Samuel Appleton of Ipswich, 



* After Mr. Miller, Mr. Rogers was assisted in the ministry by 
Mr. John Brock, a native of Suffolk county, England. He was born 
in 1620, and came to this country when about seventeen years of age. 
He was graduated at Harvard in 164G, commenced preaching here in 
1648, and left for the Isle of Shoals about 1650. In 1662 he re- 
turned, and was settled at Reading, v/here he died, 1688, aged sixty- 
eight years. 



ADDRESS. 17 

of honorable descent. They had a numerous family ; 
six sons and five daughters. Mr. Phillips was highly 
esteemed for his piety and talents, which were of no 
common order, and was eminently useful both at home 
and abroad. He officiated, repeatedly, at the great pub- 
lic anniversaries, which put in requisition the abilities of 
the first men in the New England colonies ; and although 
it is not known, that any of his productions were printed, 
yet it is on record, that, in 1675, he preached before 
the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, and, in 
1678, before the General Court of the Commonwealth. 
From 1666, about fifteen years after Mr. Phillips's set- 
tlement, to the time of his death, including thirty years, 
ninety-three persons were added to the church ; fifty- 
four of them in four several years, viz. in 1669, 1684, 
1685, and 1695. After Mr. Rogers's death, and during 
Mr. Phillips's ministry, Samuel Brocklebank, William 
Tenney, John Pearson, Ezekiel Jewett, and John 
Trumble, were appointed deacons in this church. When 
the town first became possessed of a meeting-house bell, 
is not known ; but the earliest mention of one is in 
1658, towards the close of Mr. Rogers's ministry, which 
was suspended upon a frame^ erected to receive it, near 
the meeting-house. In 1695, the year before Mr. Phil- 
lips's death, the town voted to build a new meeting- 
house, forty-six feet by forty-four, which was completed, 
November 7th, 1697. On the 22d of April, 1696, Mr. 
Phillips died, aged seventy-one years, and in the forty- 
sixth year of his ministry. 

The descendants of Mr. Phillips are among the most 

distinguished men of our country, especially " by their 

civil stations and munificent patronage of institutions of 

learning and benevolence." The Rev. George Phillips, 

2* 



18 ADDRESS. 

minister at Brookhaven, Long Island, was a son of our 
Mr. Phillips. The Rev. Samuel Phillips, an eminent 
divine, and minister at Andover, whose father resided at 
Salem, was a grandson. The Hon. John Phillips, 
the sole founder of the academy in Exeter, New Hamp- 
shire, and his brother, the Hon. Samuel Phillips of An- 
dover, one of the counsellors of the State, who together 
founded and liberally endowed the academy in that town, 
with another brother, the Hon. William Phillips of Bos- 
ton, who also contributed liberally to the seminary at 
Andover, were all great-grandsons of Mr. Phillips of 
this place. Lieutenant-Governor William Phillips of 
Boston, " whose name," it is well said, " is mentioned 
wherever Christian munificence is honored," and Lieu- 
tenant-Governor Samuel Phillips, a member of the Pro- 
vincial Congress in 1775, and an assistant in forming the 
constitution of this Commonwealth in 1780, a man of 
ardent, but humble piety, sound learning, and enlarged 
benevolence, and the Hon. John Phillips of Boston, 
many years President of the Senate of Massachusetts, 
and the first Mayor of that city, were descendants o{ the 
fourth generation. The Hon. John Phillips of Ando- 
ver, who, with his mother, Phoebe Phillips, and others 
of a like benevolent spirit, founded the Theological 
Seminary in that town, was a descendant of the fifth 
generation from Mr. Phillips of this place. " By such 
acts of most honorable munificence," says the biogra- 
pher, " have the family, which bears the name of Phil- 
lips, proved to the world, that the blessing of wealth 
may fall into hands which shall employ it to the best of 
purposes." There are still in this Commonwealth, and 
other portions of our country, many eminent individuals, 
descendants of the Phillipses, of whom I will only say, 



ADDRESS. 19 

that, while they view it an honor to be able to claim an 
ancestry so highly distinguished, they will unquestionably 
feel their obligation to show themselves worthy of it. 
(Appendix, A. 2.) 

The thij'd minister of this place was the Rev. Samuel 
Shepard. He was son of the Rev. Thomas Shepard, 
who was born near Northampton in England, November 
5th, 1605, a day rendered memorable in the annals of 
the British nation by the discovery of the well known 
powder-plot. Exposed to persecution, on account of 
his Puritan principles, at home, he fled to New England, 
and arrived in 1635, and was soon after settled at Cam- 
bridge in this State. '' As a preacher of evangelical 
truth," says his biographer, "and as a writer on experi- 
mental religion, he was one of the most distinguished 
men of his time. It was on account of the energy of 
his preaching, and his vigilance in detecting, and zeal in 
opposing, the errors of the day, that, when the founda- 
tion of a college was to be laid, Cambridge, rather than 
any other place, was pitched upon as the seat of the 
seminary. He was the patron of learning, and essen- 
tially promoted its interests. He was distinguished for 
his humihty and piety." (Allen.) It was the son of 
such a Puritan father, who was born, October, 1641, at 
Cambridge, and graduated at Harvard in 1658, that was 
settled here, November 15ih, 1665, in the gospel min- 
istry, as colleague with the Rev. Mr. Phillips, thirty- 
one years previous to his death. He married Dorothy, 
daughter of the Rev. Henry Flint, one of the first min- 
isters of Braintree, and left one child, a son. So far 
as any information remains respecting Mr. Shepard, it 
shows, that he was a man of a most excellent spirit, and 
very precious in the hearts of his people. But his min- 



20 ADDRESS. 

istry and his life were short. He died, April 7th, 1668, 
after a ministry of less than three years, in the twenty- 
eighth year of his age, and twenty-eight years previous 
to the decease of Mr. Phillips. (Appendix, A. 3.) 

After Mr. Shepard's decease, the town, designing to 
comply with the conditions of Mr. Rogers's will, em- 
ployed, besides others, Mr. Samuel Brackenbury, who 
assisted Mr. Phillips two years, and Mr. Jeremiah 
Shepard, a brother of the Rev. Samuel Shepard, more 
than three years, who afterwards preached at Chebacco 
parish, in Ipswich, now Essex, and subsequently was 
settled at Lynn, and died there, June 2d, 1720, aged 
seventy-two years.* (Appendix, A. 4.) 

The Rev. Edward Payson was the fourth settled 
minister of Rowley. He was son of Edward Pay- 
son, of Roxbury, Massachusetts ; was born there, 
June 20th, 1657, and graduated at Harvard, 1677.f 

* It is understood, that this Jeremiah Shepard was not a member 
of any church, having made no public profession of rehgion, at the 
time he preached at Rowley and Ipswich, — an extraordinary fact, 
indeed, for those times of puritanical strictness ! ! 

t The following is a copy of the letter of dismission and recom- 
mendation of Mr. Payson, from the church of Roxbury to the church 
of Rowley, written and signed by that venerable " Apostle of the 
Indians," the Rev. John Eliot, first pastor of the church at Rox- 
bury, Massachusetts, fifty years after his settlement there, viz. 

" 9 day, 8 Mo. 1682. 
" To the Rev. Mr. Phillips, pastor of Rowley. 

" Reverend and beloved in Jesus Christ. Divine Providence hav- 
ing called our beloved brother, Mr. Edward Payson, to live and labor 
among you, he desireth a dismission from our communion unto yours, 
which we readily give him with our blessing, beseeching God to 
make him a blessing among you, through Christ Jesus, to whose 
grace and guidance we commend you, with earnest desires of mutual 
prayers; and so we rest your loving brethren. 

JOHN ELIOT, 
with the consent of the fraternity of the church at Roxbury." 



ADDRESS. 21 

It is not known by whom Mr. Phillips was assisted 
during the four years next following the time that Mr. 
Jeremiah Shepard left in 1676 ; but the town records 
show, that Mr. Payson was first employed in 1680, and 
August 17th, 1681, he received a call to settle, no one 
objecting, and was ordained, as colleague with Mr. 
Phillips, October 25th, 1682, about fourteen years pre- 
vious to Mr. Phillips's decease, with £ 100 as a settle- 
ment, and a salary, during Mr. Phillips's life, of between 
£ 50 and £ 60, and an income as teacher of the Latin 
school. After Mr. Phillips's decease his salary was in- 
creased to £ 100, and his fuel. Mr. Payson was mar- 
ried, November 7th, 1683, to Elizabeth, daughter of 
the Rev. Samuel Phillips. They had a numerous family 
of children. The names of seventeen are preserved, 
and several others died in infancy. Tradition says, they 
had twenty children in all, of whom ten survived Mr. 
Payson. In 1724, he buried his first wife ; and, in 
1726, he married Madam Elizabeth Appleton, widow 
of the Hon. Samuel Appleton of Ipswich, daughter of 
William Whittingham of Boston, and great-granddaugh- 
ter of the Rev. William Whittingham, who was chosen 
pastor of the first congregational church, since the days 
of primitive Christianity, gathered at Geneva in Swit- 
zerland ; an eminent Puritan, who fled from England in 
the reign of Queen IMary, leaving behind him an estate 
of £ 1,100 sterling, per annum ; thus demonstrating how 
much stronger, in pious minds, are conscientious princi- 
ples, than a love for the riches, honors, and pleasures 
of the world. The descendants of Mr. Payson are quite 
numerous in this town and elsewhere.* The prayer of 

^ Mr. Farmer, in his " Genealogical Register," says, that the late 



22 ADDRESS. 

the apostolic Eliot, that God ivouU make Mr. Payson 
a blessirio' here., seems to have been answered in his 
behalf ; for his labors were evidently made more abun- 
dantly successful among the people, than those of any 
other minister. From the death of Mr. Phillips, in 
1696, about fourteen years after Mr. Payson's settle- 
ment, to the death of Mr. Payson, in 1732, that is, 
during thirty-six years of his ministry, there were added 
to the church two hundred and seventy-one. The great- 
est addition, at any one time, was immediately after the 
great earthquake, on the night following the 29th of Oc- 
tober, 1727, which was sixty. Mr. Payson died, Au- 
gust 22d, 1732, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, 
and the forty-ninth of his ministry. It is not known, that 
any productions of Mr. Payson were committed to the 
press, except a sermon, delivered to his people in 1727, 
occasioned by the great earthquake, founded on Lamen- 
tations iii. 41 : " Let us lift up our hearts with our 
hands unto God in the heavens." During the ministry 
of Mr. Payson, Samuel Palmer, Timothy Harris, Hum- 
phrey Hobson, and Joseph Boynton were appointed 
deacons in the church. (Appendix, A. 5.) 

The Rev. Jedediah Jew^ett was the fifth settled min- 
ister of Rowley. He was the son of Jonathan Jewett 
of this place, and a great grandson of Joseph and Ann 
Jewett, who were among the first settlers of the town. 
He was baptized, June 3d, 1705, graduated at Harvard, 
1726, and ordained colleague of Mr. Payson, Novem- 
ber 19th, 1729, about three years previous to Mr. Pay- 
Rev. Edward Payson, D. D., of Portland, was a direct descendant of 
this Mr. Payson of Rowley; and so says the " Quarterly Review." 
But such is not the fact. He probably descended from a brother of 
our Mr. Payson. 



ADDRESS. 23 

son's death, with a settlement of X300, and a salary of 
£ 90, which was considerably increased in succeeding 
years. He married, in 1730, Elizabeth Dummer, daugh- 
ter and only child of Richard Dummer of Newbury. 
They had two children only, a son and a daughter. 
His wife died, April 14th, 1764 ; and he married, Octo- 
ber 29th, 1765, Mrs. Elizabeth Parsons of Bradford. 
Common as the name is here, there ane now none of 
Mr. Jewell's descendants in this town, and but few in 
other places. The Jewells here descended from the 
same original stock, but not through him. Mr. Jewell 
was evidently a faithful parish minister.* During his 
services here there were added lo the church two hun- 
dred and nineteen ; ninety-six in two special revivals ; 
one in 1741 and 1742, and the other in 1764 and 1765. 
Several of Mr. Jewell's sermons were published. The 
last he preached, which was at the ordination of the Rev. 
David Tappan of Newbury, April 18th, 1774, was put to 
press. From that service he returned unwell, and died 
on the 8lh of May following, in the forty-fifth year of 
his ministry, aged sixty-nine. Mr. Jewett was pos- 
sessed of considerable property, much of which came 
by his first wife. This he principally bequeathed to his 
children ; though, with a spirit of generous philanthropy, 
and a just regard to the rights and enjoyments of others, 
he provided for the manumission of his two female 
slaves, who had descended to him from his father-in- 



* The inscription upon his tombstone informs us, that "he was a 
skilful, fervent preacher of the doctrine of God's grace to lost men, 
through Jesus Christ ; preached it as a doctrine according to godli- 
ness, so as to teach them, who had believed in God, to maintain good 
works. He also took heed to himself; was so pious, charitable, pru- 
dent, and patient, as to be an example to the flock." 



24 ADDRESS. 

law Dummer, and made his estate, in the hands of his 
children, liable for their maintenance, in case of poverty 
and need in their old age. On the death of Mr. Jewett, 
the church was left destitute of a pastor for the first time 
since the settlement of the toiun in 1639, a period of 
one hundred and thirty five years ; a fact, a parallel to 
■which can be found but in few, if any, of all our New 
England churches. Before the death of Mr. Jewett, 
Edward Payson, Francis Pickard, David Bailey, Moses 
Clark, Thomas Mighill, and Jeremiah Jewett, were ap- 
pointed deacons. The parish voted to defray the ex- 
pense of the funeral of Mr. Jewett, and erect a suitable 
monument at his grave.* In 1747, during the ministry 
of Mr. Jewett, the parish voted to build a new meeting- 
house, sixty feet by forty-two, with a steeple and spire ; 
this house was completed in 1749, about fifty years after 
the erection of the last. (Appendix, A. 6.) 

For about eight years ^ next succeeding Mr. Jewett's 
death, the parish remained destitute of a settled minister, 
and in a restless, divided condition. Within that period 
they multiplied candidates exceedingly, and for half of 
that time they were incessantly, and at intervals, vio- 
lently agitated, relative to the employment and settle- 
ment of a Mr. John Blydenburgh. (Appendix, A 7.) 
The records show, that but veiy (e\v individuals were 
added to the church during all that time of turmoil, 
strife, and destitution of the regular administration of the 
word and ordinances, f The good providence of God, 

*The first meeting held by the people as a parish, distinct from the 
town, was in January 1733-4, in the early part of Mr. Jewett's 
ministry. 

t In this season of darkness and distraction it was, viz. August, 
1777, tli;U the meeting-house spire was struck with lightning and 



ADDRESS. 25 

however, did not leave this ancient church and people 
to continued divisions, contentions, and destitution of a 
settled ministry. All these evils ceased on the settle- 
ment of Rev. Ebenezer Bradford, as the sixth minister 
of the place. Mr. Bradford was a native of Canterbury, 
Connecticut, and a lineal descendant of the fifth generation 
of William Bradford, one of the first company of Puritan 
emigrants who arrived, in 1620; the second governor 
of Plymouth Colony, which office was conferred upon 
him for thirty years out of thirty-six, and who was emi- 
nently instrumental in " establishing and preserving the 
first colony in New England, and the first church in the 
United Slates."* Mr. Bradford was born in 1746, 
graduated at Princeton, New Jersey, in 1773, licensed to 
preach x\ugust, 1774, and ordained to the work of the 
gospel ministry by the Presbytery of New York, at a ses- 
sion held at South Hanover, New Jersey, July 13ih, 1775. f 
Mr. Bradford preached two years, or more, in Danbury, 
Connecticut, and was there when Danbury was burnt by the 
British, in 1777. From the fire and sword of the enemy, 
he fled with his family and part of his efi^ects, and returned 



much injured. The town's stock of powder was then in the garret 
of the house, but neither that nor the house was ignited. While this 
spire was repairing it was supported by three strong ropes, extending 
in different directions to three several trees ; one to a tree on much 
lower land than that on which the meeting-house stands. Upon this 
rope Mr. Moses Jewett, Jun. son of the chairman of the committee 
of repairs, a strong, athletic man, a blacksmith by trade, ascended to 
the staging which was built around the spire, upon which he was re- 
ceived, by the aid of two men, much exhausted. 

* Robbins's " Historical Review." 

t The Quarterly Register says Mr. Bradford's ordination was in 
1778 ; but the original certificate, now before me, says, as above, Ju- 
ly 13th, 1775. 

3 



26 ADDRESS. 

in season to preserve his dwelling from the flames already 
kindled within it. Mr. Bradford preached and adminis- 
tered the ordinances in various parts of the country, 
whenever he was called in providence, without particu- 
lar reference to settlement, and, it is said, with great ac- 
ceptance and eminent success.* October 22d, 1781, 
the church having previously given Mr. Bradford a call, 
the parish voted, two only dissenting, to unite with them ; 
and proffered him, as a setdement, real estate valued at 
£200, and as a salary £ 100, to be made as good as in 
1774, and twelve cords of wood annually ; and August 
4th, 1782, he was here settled. Mr. Bradford was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth Green, daughter of Rev. Jacob Green, 
of Hanover, New Jersey, and sister of the present venera- 
ble Dr. Ashbel Green, of Philadelphia, April 4th, 1776. 
They had nine children, all of whom survived their fath- 
er ; though but four^ three sons and one daughter, are 
now living. At the time of Mr. Bradford's settlement 



* Mr. Bradford was peculiar in appropriating his texts to the circum- 
stances. On a journey through this region, he had stopped and 
preached a Sabbath here. In the midst of the divisions then existing 
about ministers in the parish, he was permitted to leave without any 
arrangement being made with him for further services. After he was 
gone, it was found that a very general impression was made in his 
favor, and a committee was despatched to request his immediate re- 
turn. He was overtaken a hundred miles from this, and was in- 
duced at once to retrace his steps, and appeared before the people on 
the succeeding Sabbath with the text. Acts x. 29, " Therefore 
came I unto you, without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for; I 
ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me .'' " On another occa- 
sion, being appointed by Presbytery to preach in a destitute and very 
ungodly parish, where ministers were often insulted in the desk even, 
he took, Job xxi. 3, *' Suffer me that I may speak ; and after that I 
have spoken, mock on; " and he had a very silent and attentive au- 
dience. 



ADDRESS. 27 

here, the church consisted of eighty-three members. Dur- 
ing his ministry eighty-four were added ; twenty-nine of 
these as the fruits of a special revival, which commenced in 
1800, and extended into 1801. Under the particular in- 
struction of Mr. Bradford, numbers prepared for the minis- 
try ; and for a number of years he sustained a school here 
of a high order, first in his own dwelling, and then in a 
house he provided and appropriated for the purpose. 
Various sermons and other productions of Mr. Bradford 
were published. The inscription upon his tombstone, 
which was erected by the parish, is as follows, viz. ^' Sa- 
cred to the memory of the Rev. Ebenezer Bradford, 
A. M., who departed this life January 3d, 1801, aged fifty- 
five years, nineteen of which he was pastor of this church. 
Possessing a mind ardent and active, and an eloquence 
prompt and popular, he was distinguished for the frequen- 
cy, the fervor, and the impression of his religious dis- 
courses, [insisting in them principally on the doctrines of 
grace, of which he was ever a decided advocate] ; of 
manners conciliatory, and a mind open to persuasion. 
He was, notwithstanding, undaunted by opposition, reso- 
lute in his temper, strong and warm in his emotions and 
passions ; he earnestly pressed to the accomplishment of 
all his designs and undertakings. As a husband, parent, 
and friend, tender, anxious, and true. As a Christian, 
sincere and exemplary. As a pastor, faithful. Such 
was the man whose earthly remains are here deposited, 
whose labors in the vineyard of the Lord were eminently 
blessed, who hath entered into his rest, and whose mem- 
ory is precious." 

The parish granted about ^ 110 to defray the funeral 
charges of Mr. Bradford, including $ 50 for suitable 
attire for the family. It was during Mr. Bradford's 



28 ADDRESS. 

ministry, in 1795 and 1796, that considerable repairs 
were made upon the meeting-house, and a porch built at 
the south end of it, through which were stairs leading 
to the gallery. About the same time it was, that the old 
practice of repeating the reading of the psalm, or hymn, 
line by line by the deacon, previous to singing, after a 
severe struggle between the adherents of the ancient 
and modern mode, was entirely abandoned.* Before 
Mr. Bradford's death, George Jewett was appointed a 
deacon. (Appendix, A. 8.) For three years after Mr.. 
Bradford's decease, various candidates were employed. 
After hearing the Rev. David Tullar three or four 
months, the church and parish voted, August 3d, 1803, 
to give him a call, and proffered him a salary of $ 450 ; 
and he was reinstalled as the seventh settled minister 
here, December 7th, 1803. Mr. Tullar was born in 
Simsbury, Connecticut, September 22d, 1749, graduat- 
ed at Yale, 1774, ordained at Windsor, Vermont, March, 
1779, and installed at Milford, Connecticut, 1784. In 
accordance with the advice of a mutual council, he was 
dismissed from Rowley, October 17th, 1810, after a 
ministry of about seven years. During his ministry here, 
twenty persons were added to the church. Subsequent- 
ly he preached some months at Williamstown in this State, 
and received a call to settle there ; then at Bloomfield and 
Leroy in New York for some seven or eight years, when 
he returned to Rowley, and for a number of years supplied 
the parish of Linebrook. When age and infirmity 

" This practice of lining the psahn, or hymn, was not had amongst 
our earlier forefathers ; it was introduced into the worshipping assemblies 
many years after the first settlement of the country. Among those 
of the Plymouth colony it came first into use about 1681, more than 
sixty years after their settlement. 



ADDRESS. 29 

necessitated him to discontinue his ministerial labors, 
he removed to Sheffield, in this State, where he deceased 
on the 23d ult., nearly at the close of his ninetieth year. 
Mr. TuUar married, September 24th, 1779, Charity Fel- 
lows, of Sheffield, who is still living in her eighty-second 
year ; they had no children. Mr. Tullar was the first 
minister dismissed from this church and people from the 
commencement, a period of one hundred and seventy- 
one years; a decided evidence that whatever may have 
occasionally existed, they have not characteristically been 
given to division, strife, and change. 

For about two years after Mr. Tullar's dismission, dif- 
ferent candidates were employed. In 1812, James W. 
Tucker received a call, and became the eighth settled 
minister here. Mr. Tucker was born in Danbury, Con- 
necticut, in 1787, graduated at Yale, 1807, and was or- 
dained June 24th, 1812, with a settlement of $ 500, and 
an annual salary of § 600. He married Harriet Atwater, 
of New Haven ; their children were four daughters, and 
one son. Mr. Tucker expressed a strong desire to live, 
and labor, and die with this people ; but he considered 
the salary of $ 600 insufficient for the support of his 
growing family, and the parish being unwilling to increase 
it, he asked a dismission, which took place June 24th, 
1817, just five years after his settlement. Twenty-three 
persons were added to the church during his ministry. 
Mr. Tucker died at Springfield, New Jersey, February 
llth, 1819, aged thirty-two years. Mr. Tucker was a 
man of excellent spirit, sound learning, refined taste, and 
devoted piety ; and was highly esteemed for his many 
and excellent attainments and virtues, as a Christian and 
a pastor. 

Soon after the dismission of Mr. Tucker, the parish 
3* 



30 ADDRESS. 

gave a call to the Rev. Seth Chapin, which Mr. Chapin 
accepted. A mutual council, after hearing parlies, 
voted that it was not expedient to proceed to his installa- 
tion. 

On the 21st of May, 1818, Willard Holbrook received 
a call, and the proffer of a salary of $ 600, to which he 
gave an affirnmtive answer. Mr. Holbrook, the ninth 
settled minister here, and present pastor of the church, 
was born in Uxbridge, Worcester County, Massachu- 
setts, April 7th, 1792, graduated at Brown University in 
1814, and ordained here July 22d, 181S. He married 
Margaret Crocker, of Londonderry, New Hampshire, 
June 22d, 1819; they have had six children. At the 
time of Mr. Holbrook's settlement, the church consisted 
of eighty-four members ; from that period to July last, 
twenty-one years, ninety-nine have been added ; fifty-two 
of these in four years, viz, in 1821 nine, in \S27 fourteen, 
in 1830 fifteen, in 1832 fourteen. In July last, the 
church consisted of ninety-five members ; twenty-six only 
of whom were members at the time of Mr. Holbrook's 
ordination. The present officiating deacons in the church 
are Joshua Jewett, appointed in 1807, and Nathaniel 
Mighill, appointed in 1828. The next year after Mr. 
Holbrook's ordination, the parish repaired the meeting- 
house, taking down the tall spire and building a cupola 
in its stead, and underpinning the house with hewn stone, 
all at the expense of about $ 1,000.* (Appendix, A 9.) 

The whole number of admissions to this church, from 
its organization down to June last, excepting those who 



* A Sabbath school is sustained by this church and parish, con- 
taining about one hundred and fifty pupils, and a bible class of about 
thirty ; they contribute annually to benevolent objects about ^200. 



ADDRESS. 31 

may have been admitted for a])out twenty-seven years, a 
period including the whole of Mr. Rogers's ministry and 
a part of Mr. Phillips's, of which there are no records, and 
any admitted at different times when the parish has been 
vacant, is estimated at eight hundred and seventy -three. 

The whole number of baptisms^ from 1666, about 
five years after the death of Mr. Rogers, to 1782, the 
time of Mr. Bradford's settlement, a period of one hun- 
dred and sixteen years, is tivo thousand nine hundred 
and thirty. From the year 1690, the practice of bap- 
tizing the children of all such as had themselves been 
baptized in their infancy, and were willing to take upon 
them what was denominated " the half way covenant,^' 
though they professedly and practically withheld their at- 
tendance on the Lord's Supper, prevailed in this church. 
On the settlement of Mr. Bradford, in 1782, this amazing 
absurdity was abolished, and none but members in full 
communion have since been permitted to bring their 
children to the ordinance of baptism. The whole num- 
ber baptized since this reformation is about three hundred, 
making in all three thousand two hundred and thirty. 

In this church, as far back as information extends, the 
ordinance of the Lord's Supper has been administered 
every sixth Sabbath, which has been invariably preceded 
by a lecture preparatory thereto, on some day, usually 
on Friday, of the previous week. 

The pastors of this ancient church have all been 
strictly evangelical in their sentiments and preaching. 
All of them were men of unquestionable piety, and some 
of them preeminently devoted to Christ and the pro- 
motion of his cause. 

The second church in Rowley, now Georgetown, was 
organized October 4th, 1732, ninety-three years after 



32 ADDRESS. 

the organization of the first church, and about one year 
after the parish was incorporated, by the signature of 
eighteen males to a covenant, to which, not long after- 
wards, numbers, both male and female, were added. 
The Rev. James Chandler was the first pastor of this 
church. Having received a call, with the profiler of 
£300 settlement, and <£ 110 salary, according to the 
value of money, and twenty cords of wood, he was or- 
dained on the 20th October, 1732. William Fisk and 
William Searle were the first deacons. Mr. Chandler 
was a native of Andover, born 1706, and graduated at 
Harvard, 1728. He married Mary, the daughter of the 
Rev. Moses Hale, of Byfield. They had no children. 
He was a man of sound doctrine, exemplary life 
and conversation, dignified deportment, and greatly es- 
teemed, generally, by his own people, highly respected 
abroad, and very successful in his ministry. He died, 
April 19th, 1789, aged eighty-three years, and in the 
fifty-seventh year of his ministry, having been in ofiice 
longer, by seven or eight years, than any other minister 
of the town. In June, 1729, two years before the 
church was organized, the frame of a meeting-house was 
erected by proprietors, which, probably, was completed 
and became the place of worship not long after. In 
1769, a new meeting-house, fifty-five feet by forty, was 
raised, with a steeple and porch, all in one day. This 
house was dedicated, September, 1770, and the dedi- 
cation sermon preached, by the eminent Rev. George 
Whitefield, of England, from 1 Kings viii. 11 : " The 
glory of the Lord hath filled the house of the Lord."* 



* It is not known for certain, on what day the dedication sermon 
was preached. Mr. Whitefield preached in Rowley, September 12 



ADDRESS. 35 

The funeral charges of Mr. Chandler were paid by the 
parish. (Appendix, B. 1.) 

After Mr. Chandler's death, this church was desti- 
tute of a pastor more than eight years ; and during that 
period sixty-four preachers supplied, for a longer or 
shorter time, three or four of whom received a call to 
settle. February 14th, 1797, the parish concurred with 
the church in calling the Rev. Isaac Braman, with the 
proffer of <£ 200 settlement, and £ 80 salary, and, con- 
ditionally, an addition of £ 10, and ten cords of wood, 
which has been somewhat increased from time to time. 
Mr. Braman was born at Norton, 1770, graduated at 
Harvard, 1794, ordained June 7th, 1797. He married 
Hannah Palmer, of Norton, in 1797 ; and they had five 
children, three sons and two daughters. He married 
Sarah Balch, of Newburyport, in 1837. 

At the commencement of Mr. Braman's ministry, there 
were but twelve resident male members in the church. 
Instances of special religious interest occurred among his 
people in the early part of his ministry. Latterly, pre- 
cious revivals have been experienced, as the fruits of 
which many have been added to the church. The whole 
number of additions during his ministry is two hundred 
and twelve; and the whole number now in the church is 
one hundred and sixty-three. The 7th of June last 



and 13, 1770, then returned to Boston. September 21, he departed 
from Boston upon a tour to the eastward. On the 23d (Sabbath), he 
preached in Portsmouth, and continued to preach there and in that 
vicinity till the 20th, when he preached in Exeter, and rode to New- 
buryport, where he arrived that evening. Sabbath morning, Septem- 
ber 30, he died, about G o'clock. A few very aged people, now hving, 
heard the dedication sermon, remember the text, and say the ser- 
mon was preached in the morning. It might, therefore, have been 
preached on the morning of the 12th, 13th, or 22d of September. 



34 ADDRESS. 

completed /br^?/-^t^o years since Mr. Braman's ordina- 
tion ; and the 18th of October next will complete a 
hundred and seven years since that of his venerable pre- 
decessor. Hitherto the Lord hath smiled propitiously 
upon this church and society, and their present pastor ; 
let goodness and mercy follow them still, and those that 
come after them, to the latest posterity. The Lord's 
Supper is administered in this church, and has been from 
the commencement, every sixth Sabbath, with a pre- 
paratory service. A Sabbath school was organized 
here in 1817, which contains about two hundred and 
fifty pupils. The annual donations to benevolent ob- 
jects amount to $ 450. The first meeting-house bell 
was had in this parish since Mr. Braman's ministry, and 
not until the autumn of 1815.* The modern mode of 
singing was introduced into this parish about half a cen- 
tury since. (Appendix, B. 2.) 

As early as 1702, the inhabitants of By field, then 
called " The Falls,'''' erected a house of worship very 
near the spot where the present house stands ; and were, 
about the same time, dismissed both from the towns and 
churches of Rowley and Newbury, to which they pre- 
viously belonged. The Rev. Moses Hale was their 
first minister. He was born in Newbury in 1678, 
graduated at Harvard, 1699, and ordained, November 
17th, 1706, sixty-seven years after Mr. Rogers. Mr. 
Hale's salary was regulated, from year to year, accord- 
ing to the value of money. He married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Richard Dummer, Esq. who died in 1703. 
His second wife was Mary, daughter of Deacon William 



* In 1816, their house of worship was extensively repaired, and 
again in 1832, and enlarged in 1836. 



ADDRESS. 35 

Moody. They had two sons and four daughters. Mr. 
Hale died in 1743, in his sixty-sixth year, and the thir- 
ty-seventh of his ministry. The records of the church, 
to Mr. Hale's death, are lost. The first meeting-house 
bell, possessed by the parish, was a donation from the 
Hon. Nathaniel Byfield, about 1710, at which time, by 
an act of General Court, the parish was called by 
its present name, in honor of this benefactor.* 

In 1744, the church and parish gave a call to the Rev. 
Moses Parsons, with the offer of a salary of £ 250, old 
tenor, and the use of the parsonage ; and he became the 
second minister of Byfield. He was born in Gloucester, 
graduated at Harvard, 1736, ordained June 20th, 1744. 
His wife was Susannah Davis. They had four sons and 
one daughter. The two eldest, William and Eben, 
were distinguished and wealthy merchants in Boston. 
Eben presented the second bell to the parish, where he 
spent the latter part of his life, and where, in his own 
family tomb, his remains were deposited. His memory 
is still precious ; for, by means of his timely charities, 
he caused the hearts of many, that were sick and in 
afl^iction, to rejoice. Theophilus^ the third son, was 
the late eminent chief justice of the Supreme Court of 
this Commonwealth. Mr. Parsons died, December 
11 th, 1783. In 1746, the early part of Mr. Parsons's 
ministry, the second meeting-house was built, with 
steeple and spire. 



* Farmer, in his " Genealogical Register," says, " He was the son 
of the Rev. Richard Byfield, of Long-Ditton, in Sussex, England, 
and the youngest son of twenty-one children ; was born in 1653, came 
to Boston in 1674, was a Speaker of the House of Representatives in 
1693, a Colonel, and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for 
Bristol County. He died at Boston, 1733, aged eighty." 



36 ADDRESS. 

After about four years, the Rev. Elijah Parish be- 
came the third minister of Byfield. He was born in 
Lebanon Connecticut, 1762, graduated at Dartmouth, 
•1785, and ordained, December 20th, 17S7, in the eve- 
ning. On account of difficukies, the council could not 
be prepared to proceed earlier ; and Mr. Parish per- 
petuated the remembrance of the event ever after by an 
anniversary sermon. In 1796 he married Mary Hale, 
daughter of Deacon Joseph Hale, of that parish. They 
had five children. Dr. Parish was frequently called to 
preach on public occasions ; and various occasional ser- 
mons of his have been printed. The Gazetteer of the 
Eastern Continent, and the History of New England, 
were the joint works of Dr. Parish, and the late Dr. 
Morse of Charlestovvn. Modern Geography, and the 
Bible Gazetteer are works of his own. Since his 
death, a volume of twenty sermons has been published. 
He died, October 15ih, 1825, aged sixty-three years, 
and in the thirty-eighth of his ministry. 

The Rev. Isaac R. Barbour, the fourth minister, was 
born at Bridport, Vermont, 1794, graduated at Middle- 
bury, 1819, installed December 20th, 1827, and dis- 
missed in 1833. Just before Mr. Barbour's dismission, 
the meeting-house was destroyed by fire, whether by 
design or not is unknown. Another house was imme- 
diately erected, sixty-two by forty-five feet, and dedi- 
cated on the 7th of November of the same year ; and a bell 
was purchased in the place of that destroyed by the fire. 

The Rev. Henry Durant, the fifth and present min- 
ister, was born at Acton, Massachusetts, June 18th, 
1802, graduated at Yale, where he was four years Tu- 
tor, in 1827, and ordained, December 25th, 1833. 
His salary is $ 500, and use of parsonage, valued at 



ADDRESS. 37 

^ 100. This church now consists of one hundred and 
forty-three members, which, with the society, usually 
contribute about ^ 150 a year for benevolent objects. 
A Sabbath school is sustained, numbering about one 
hundred scholars. (Appendix, C. 1.) 

Linebrook parish is constituted of inhabitants of Row- 
ley and Ipswich. November 15, 1749, a church was 
organized there by the signature of sixteen males to a 
covenant. This was on the same day of the ordination 
of their first minister, the Rev. George Lesslie, and pre- 
paratory to it. Mr. Lesslie was the son of the Rev. 
James Lesslie, who came from Scotland, and settled at 
Topsfield, when George was about two years old. 
George graduated at Harvard in 1748, and preached in 
Linebrook, during a year, previous to his settlement. 
He was dismissed, November 30, 1779, and, in 1780. 
was installed at Washington, New Hampshire, where he 
died in 1800, aged seventy-two. He married Hepzi- 
bah, daughter of Deacon Jonathan Burpee, of his own 
parish ; and they had eight children, six of whom were 
sons. Mr. Lesslie fitted numbers for college and for 
the ministry. He possessed a powerful intellect, was 
an eminent scholar, and a pious and useful minister. 
(Appendix, D. 1.) 

The Rev. Gilbert Tennent Williams was their second 
minister. He was son of the Rev. Simon Williams, 
of Windham, New Hampshire, was born, in 1761, at 
Fogg's Manor, New Jersey, graduated at Dartmouth, 
1784, and ordained, 1789. He was dismissed in 1813, 
after a ministry of twenty-five years. In 1814 he was 
installed over the second church in Newbury, which he 
left in 1821, and died at Framlngham in 1824, aged 
sixty-three. (Appendix, D. 2.) 
4 



38 ADDRESS. 

From 1823 to 1830, this parish was supplied by the 
Rev. David Tullar, the seventh minister of Rowley. 
During the seven years of his ministry there, he was in- 
strumental of gathering a scattered flock, and adding 
numbers to the church, and thus preserved them from 
threatened extinction. When Mr. Tullar commenced 
his labors there, the church consisted of two female 
members. In 1833, there were thirty-four members, 
fourteen of them males. After Mr. Tullar, they had 
the labors, for several years, of the Rev. Moses Welsh. 
Mr. Francis Welsh is now with them. Though few in 
number, they are now united, and for years past have 
enjoyed the presence and blessing of the Most High. 
The first meeting-house in this parish was erected within 
the limits of Rowley in 1744, five years previous to the 
settlement of the first minister, but was not finished till 
1747. It was removed and rebuilt, where it now stands, 
within the bounds of Ipswich, in 1828. A Sabbath 
school-is sustained in this parish. 

As early as 1754, individuals in the second church of 
Rowley became dissatisfied with the preaching of their 
pastor, and withdrew from the ordinances, and ultimately 
from the church, and with others, principally from 
Rowley, Bradford, and Newbury, sustained worship by 
themselves. In 1769, they purchased the old meeting- 
house of the second parish, and rebuilt it within the 
limits of Bradford, where they had worship, part of 
each year, for several successive years, though they 
never had a settled minister. These " Separatists ^^^ as 
they styled themselves, did not at first profess to be of 
a different denomination from those they had left, Dut 
eventually they embraced the sentiments of the Baptists ; 
and this is the origin of the first Baptist church and so- 



ADDRESS. ' 39 

ciety in the bounds of ancient Rowley. In 1781, tliey 
unanimously agreed to become a branch of the Baptist 
church at Haverhill, on certain specified conditions, and 
were accepted and organized as such. Samuel Harri- 
man, who had previously become a member of the Ha- 
verhill Baptist church, and who was, doubtless, the first 
person of the town of Rowley, who became a professed 
member of this denomination, was appointed elder of 
this branch. In 1782, their meeting-house was taken 
down, and rebuilt in Rowley, now Georgetown ; and 
in 1785, this branch, by petition, was set off as a dis- 
tinct church. At this time the church consisted of 
thirty-six members ; and Elder William Ewing became 
their pastor, who was dismissed in 1789. The same 
year Elder Abijah Grossman became their pastor, and 
was dismissed in 1793. In 1797, Elder Shubal Lovell 
became their pastor, and continued thirteen years, when 
he was dismissed. They then had Elder J. Gonverse, 
who was dismissed in 1818. In 1819, Elder Simeon 
Ghamberlin commenced pastoral labor with them, and was 
dismissed in 1826. The same year. Elder Ezra Will- 
marth became their pastor, and was dismissed in 1834. 
In 1836, the Rev. John Burden was ordained, and is now 
in office. In 1829, this society built a new meeting- 
house on their parsonage, forty-five by thirty-five, at the 
expense of ^^ 1,700. In 1837, this house was removed 
nearly half a mile, to a more desirable location. The so- 
ciety has a parsonage farm of about sixty acres, given by 
Elder Samuel Harriman, and Samuel and Benjamin Plum- 
mer. At the first of August last, the church consisted of 
one hundred and fifteen members. They raise about 
$ 20 for benevolent objects, and have a Sabbath scliool of 
about one hundred and fifty pupils. (Appendix, E. 1.) 



40 ADDRESS. 

The second Baptist church, being in the old parish 
that was, became organized November 17th, 1830, con- 
sisting of twelve members, most of them from the first 
Baptist church. The present number of members is 
thirty-five. From 1831 to the present time, the Rev. 
Caleb Clark, Dr. Chaplin, George Keely, and Benja- 
min C. Grafton, supplied this church and society, with 
salaries varying from $ 300 to $ 425. For fourteen 
years previous to 1830, the society worshipping with 
this church had public services usually in a neighbouring 
hall. But in 1830, they built a commodious house of 
worship, fifty feet by thirty-five, at the expense of 
$2,000, which was dedicated the same year. In this 
society the Sabbath school has been in operation about 
eight years, and numbers about sixty pupils. For be- 
nevolent purposes they pay about $ 50 annually. (Ap- 
pendix, F. 1.) 

The first Universalist society in Rowley, now George- 
town, was organized in 1829. Fifty-nine males, belong- 
ing to Georgetown and vicinity, have become members 
by signing their constitution. In 1834, they built a 
meeting-house, forty-five by thirty-five, at a cost of more 
than $ 2,000, where they have usually had preaching 
every other Sabbath, at the expense of about $ 200 an- 
nually. Some years since a Sabbath school was estab- 
lished in this society ; but it has not been sustained. 

Bradford, first called Merrimack, was settled while 
yet a part of ancient Rowley. As early as 1669, the 
inhabitants erected a house of worship, and settled for 
their first minister the Rev. Zechariah Symms, son of 
the second minister of the same name in Charlestown, 
who came from England in 1634, and was an intimate 
friend of Ezekiel Rogers. The son was born at Charles- 



ADDRESS. 41 

town in 1637, graduated at Harvard, 1657, ordained, 
December 27th, 1682, at Bradford, where he had pre- 
viously preached fourteen years. He died there in 1708, 
aged seventy-one. 

His son, Thomas, was the second minister. He was 
born at Bradford, 1678, graduated at Harvard, 1698, 
and installed 1708, where he died, in 1725, in his forty- 
eighth year. 

The Rev. Joseph Parsons was the third minister. 
He was born at Brookfield, Massachusetts, 1702, gradu- 
ated at Harvard, 1720, ordained 1726, and died in 
1765, aged sixty-three. 

The Rev. Samuel Williams, LL. D., the fourth min- 
ister, was born at Waltham, 1743, graduated at Harvard, 
1761, ordained 1765, dismissed 1780. He left his 
people to become Professor of Mathematics in Harvard 
College. He died in 1817, in his seventy-fifth year, at 
Rutland, Vermont, of which State he wrote a valuable 
history. 

The Rev. Jonathan Allen, the fifth minister, was born 
at Braintree, 1749, graduated at Harvard, 1774, ordained 
1781, and died in 1827, aged seventy-eight. 

The Rev. Ira Ingraham, the sixth minister, was born 
at Cornwall, Vermont, about 1796, graduated at Middle- 
bury, Vermont, 1815. installed 1824, and dismissed in 
1830 ; he bad previously been settled at Orwell, and at 
Brandon, Vermont. 

The Rev. Loammi Ives Hoadly, the seventh minister 
of Bradford, was born at Norfolk, Connecticut, graduated 
at Yale, 1817, installed 1830, and dismissed in 1833 ; he 
had before been settled at Worcester. 

The Rev. Moses Coleman Searle, the eighth minister, 

was born at Rowley, 1797, graduated at Princeton, 1821, 

4# 



42 ADDRESS. 

installed, 1833, and dismissed in 1834 ; he had been pre- 
viously ordained at Grafton. 

The Rev. Nathan Munroe, the ninth and present 
minister, was born at Minot, Maine, 1804, graduated at 
Bowdoin, 1830, and ordained February 10th, 1836. 

The church at Bradford was organized 1682, at the 
time of the settlement of their first minister ; there are 
now one hundred and seventy-three members belonging 
to it. A Sabbath school and bible class are sustained 
there, having about two hundred and fifty pupils ; and 
about $ 300 annually are contributed to objects of be- 
nevolence. (Appendix, G. 1.) 

The second church in Bradford was organized in 
1727, and the Rev. William Balch was ordained at the 
same time as their first pastor. He was born in Beverly, 
in 1704, graduated at Harvard, 1724, and died January 
12th, I792r, aged eighty-eight. 

The Rev. Ebenezer Dutch, the second minister, was 
born at Ipswich, 1751, graduated at Brown, 1776, or- 
dained colleague with Mr. Balch, 1779, and died, 1813, 
aged sixty-two. 

The Rev. Gardner Braman Perry, the third minister, 
and now in office, was born at Norton, Massachusetts, 
1783, graduated at Union, 1804, and ordained Septem- 
ber 2Sth, 1814 ; Mr. Perry was previously a Tutor two 
years at Union. This church now consists of about two 
hundred members ; the Sabbath school and bible class 
have about two hundred pupils ; their contribution to 
benevolent objects annually amounts to $ 125. (Ap- 
pendix, G. 2.) 

In 1831, a Methodist church was organized in Brad- 
ford ; in 1833, they built a meeting-house and formed a 
regular society. The Rev. William Ramsdell is their 



ADDRESS. 43 

present preacher. The church consists of about fifty- 
members. They have a Sabbath school of fifty scholars; 
and contribute to benevolent objects about ^ 25 annually. 

The first church was organized in Boxford, which was 
originally a part of Rowley, in 1702 ; and Thomas 
Symms, afterwards minister of Bradford, was their first 
pastor. He was ordained, 1702, and dismissed in 1708. 

The Rev. John Rogers, the second minister of Box- 
ford, was born at Salem, graduated at Harvard, 1705, 
ordained 1709, dismissed 1743, and died at his son's, in 
Leominster, 1755. 

The Rev. Elizur Holyoke, the third minister, was 
born at Boston, May 11, 1731, graduated at Harvard, 
1750, ordained, January 30, 1759, and died, 1806, aged 
seventy-five. 

The Rev. Isaac Briggs, the fourth minister, was born 
at Halifax, about 1775, graduated at Brown, 1795, in- 
stalled September 28, 1808, and dismissed 1833 ; he 
had previously been settled at York, in Maine. 

The Rev. John Whitney, the fifth minister, was born 
at Harvard, graduated at Amherst, 1831, ordained Oc- 
tober 15, 1834, and dismissed, 1837. 

The Rev. William S. Coggin, the sixth minister, and 
now in office, is the son of the Rev. Jacob Coggin of 
Tewksbury, where William was born November 27, 
1813 ; he was graduated at Dartmouth, 1834, and ordained 
May 9th, 1838. 

This church consists of fifty-four members, and their 
Sabbath school of about one hundred and fifty scholars ; 
and their annual contributions to benevolent objects 
amount to about $ 100. (Appendix, H. 1.) 

The second church in Boxford was organized De- 
cember 9th, 1736, consisting of thirty-six members. 



44 ADDRESS. 

The Rev. John Gushing, the first minister, was born at 
Salisbury, 1709, graduated at Harvard, 1729, ordained 
December 9, 1736, and died January 25, 1772, aged 
sixty-three. 

The Rev. Moses Hale, the second minister, was born 
in Newbury, 1748, graduated at Harvard, 1771, ordained 
November 16, 1774, and died May 26, 1786, aged 
thirty-eight. 

The Rev. Peter Eaton, D.D., the third and present 
minister, in the second parish in Boxford, was born at 
Haverhill, March 15th, 1766, graduated at Harvard, 1787, 
and ordained October 7th, 1789. The Rev. Dr. Eaton 
is now the oldest minister in the county, being in his 
seventy-fourth year; and has been longer in the ministry 
than any one now in office, having nearly completed half 
a century ; may his sun set without a cloud. (Ap- 
pendix, H. 2.) 

In the eleven churches whose history has been given, 
there have been, including those now in office, in the 
first parish nine pastors ; in the second two ; in the first 
Baptist eight; in Byfield ^t'e ; in Linebrook two; in 
Bradford, first parish, 7iine ; in second parish three; in 
Boxford, first parish, six; in second parish three; in all 
forty seven pastors. All those of the congregational 
churches, thirty-nine in number, received a collegiate 
education, and much the greater part of them at Harvard. 
These eleven churches have, at the present time, more 
than nine hundred members among a population of about 
six thousand. Their annual contributions to benevolent 
objects, in connexion with their respective societies, 
amount to ^oul fourteen hundred dollars ; and they have 
under Sabbath school instruction more than thirteen hun- 
dred fupils. Of the seventy-one persons from this town 



ADDRESS. 45 

who have had a public education, including Georgetown 
and Brsid^ovd, forty-seven liave entered the ministry ; and 
there are others now looking forward to the same im- 
portant work. 

Some years since temperance societies^ on the principle 
of total abstinence from the use of ardent spirits, were 
formed here and in Georgetown ; with which, it is esti- 
mated, a majority of the inhabitants^ including females 
and minors, are now connected. 

The number of deaths in Rowley during the first 
century after the settlement of the town, according to the 
records, which do not by any means include all, was 
1,025 ; during the second century, the number was 2,545, 
making in all 3,570. Of the 2,545 who died in the second 
century, and whose ages only are recorded, seventy-two 
were over ninety ; and four arrived to a hundred years 
and upwards. Duncan Stewart, a ship-carpenter, died 
in 1717, aged one hundred. Dr. David Bennet, died 
in 1718, aged one hundred and three. Widow Sarah 
Hayden died in 1729, aged one hundred and three. 
Widow, Anna Grant died 1801, aged one hundred and 
five years. 

Years and generations cease not to roll. The young- 
est, if they live, must be old ; and the oldest must die. 
" The days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and 
nine years^ and he died." " Blessed are the dead who 
die in the Lord." 

There is neither time nor strength on my part, nor, I 
apprehend, patience on yours, for the many interesting 
thoughts, which, in view of the preceding, now press 
for utterance ; bear with me, however, a few minutes 
longer, and I will close. 

While we review with genuine gratitude the distin- 



46 ADDRESS. 

guishing favors of heaven towards our ancestors, and, 
through them, to us, we ought to feel deeply our ohliga- 
tion to ma'ke the grand object for which they subjected 
themselves to privations^ sufferings^ and toils^ our grand 
object also. Probably no providential dispensations to- 
ward any people on earth, if we except the Israelites, 
are so great and wonderful as those manifested tow^ards 
our Puritan fathers. They saw the hand of God in them 
and gave Him the glory. And should not we, who are 
now so richly enjoying the fruits of their sacrifices and la- 
bors, should not we to-day call upon our soul and all 
that is within us to bless and praise the Lord ? But our 
gratitude should not be in emotions and words only. 
True gratitude will prompt us to act; prompt us to labor 
and make sacrifices to perpetuate the blessings so dearly 
procured, and hand them down unimpaired to latest pos- 
terity. It was not, be it understood by us and by every 
future generation in all coming time, it was not a natural- 
ly discontented, restless, roving disposition, nor a thirst 
for worldly gain, nor the desire of civil liberty even, that 
urged our ancestors, aged and young, females as w^ell as 
males, from kindred, and friends, and many precious en- 
dearments of life, across the untried Atlantic, to sit down 
on these desolate and uncultivated shores. No ; but the 
chief end was the enjoyment and promotion of true reli- 
gion, according to the doctrines and order of the Bible. 
The poet has well expressed it. 

'• There were men with hoary hair, 
Amidst the pilgrim band : 
Why had they come to wither here, 

Away from their childhood's land ? 
There was woman's fearless eye, 
Lit by her deep love's truth ; 



ADDRESS. 47 

There was manhood's brow serenely high, 

And the fiery heart of youth. 
What sought they thus afar ? 

Bright jewels of the mine ? 
The wealth of seas, the spoils of war .'' 

They sought a fault's pure shrine'' 

And should not this^ at every necessary expense and 
labor, be our grand object, both for ourselves and our 
posterity } Let me not be misunderstood } It is not to 
any one particular sect I say this, but to all. As it 
would be sinful to desire, and vain to expect, the extinc- 
tion of any one denomination of real Christians, so it 
is idle in the extreme, I apprehend, to look /or the amal- 
gamation of all denominations into one. It may be God 
has permitted, as one has well said, some varying winds 
of opinion to move upon the face of the deep, to main- 
tain motion, purity, and life. But all jealousies and col- 
lisions should cease, and all together, each in their own 
mode, seek to promote the same grand object, the per- 
petuity of true religion, and its hallowed institutions. 
Here is work for all and room for all, and should any be 
indifferent, or idle, or stinted, in their efforts ? My 
friends, for what would you part to-day with your relig- 
ious institutions, and all their blessed influence on the 
present and eternal existence of yourselves, your families, 
and kindred ^ Can you name a price ^ And is -any 
thing too much to do, that you may have them continued 
unimpaired ? And will they not be as valuable to your 
posterity, as they are to yourselves ^ Then, as your an- 
cestors acted for you as well as for themselves, so should 
you for myriads yet unborn. And permit me to remind 
you, that the most efficient method of promoting the de- 
sired object is the maintenance of a regular and perma- 
nent ministry. 



48 ADDRESS. 

Without the ministry, religion and its institutions can- 
not be upheld, for so has God ordained ; and as he has 
made use of the ministry, preeminently, in the accom- 
plishment of his purposes of mercy towards men, in pre- 
ceding ages, so he will continue to do to the end of time. 
To say nothing of the divinely inspired Apostles, and 
the primitive preachers of the Gospel, who, I ask, were 
the chief instruments of the mighty reformation from 
popery, and of translating the Scriptures and giving them 
to the people in their own tongue ? Who have been the 
principal defenders of Christianity and its institutions from 
the ruthless attacks of infidels, and poured out a flood of 
\ religious instruction, by the printed page, to enlighten, 
guide, and savingly benefit both old and young ? To 
whom, under God, do we owe the origin of the various 
benevolent enterprises of the day, and plans for reforma- 
tion, and their successful advancement ? Need I tell you 
it is to ministers ? To what extent are the irreligious 
found to be convinced of sin and converted truly to God, 
and Christians carried forward in the divine life, without 
the Christian minister ? Indeed, where do good morals 
flourish, where is learning patronized, where do civihza- 
tion and civil liberty smile on degraded man, and the 
Christian ministry has no part in it ? Who in fact were 
more instrumental in settling New England, and rearing 
our precious institutions of religion, learning, and liberty, 
and who more efficient in sustaining them, than ministers ? 
Am I charged with boasting ? I repel the charge ; I do 
but justly magnify the office.* The ministry, I say, to 

* Do you object, and say, the ministry is corrupt ? That there are 
defections, sad, awful, soul-rending, in the ministry of all denomina- 
tions, I acknowledge with unutterable grief; and also that when a 
minister of the holy religion of Jesus proves recreant to his high 



ADDRESS. 49 

be most efficacious should be regular and permanent. 
The first parish in this town had the ministrations of the 
gospel without interruption one hundred and thirty-five 
years, and for two whole centuries^ have been without a 
settled pastor but fourteen years. The second parish 
have been destitute but eight years out of one hundred 
and seven. And is it necessary to stop to recount the 
beneficial results to the people, both for this world and 
the next ? Examples of the sad consequences of the 
want of a regular gospel ministry are many in our country, 
but just look at those arising from this source among this 
people, the next eight years after Mr. Jewett's decease, 
when the notorious Blydenburgh took a part s-o con- 
spicuous, during which division and strife abounded, 
and but a very small number was added to the church ! 
Does not this speak volumes in favor of a regular and 
permanent ministry ? In what eight years of any man's 
ministry in this town, either before or since, has there 
been such a destitution of good fruits ? Indeed, with 
what church in all New England, that was regularly sup- 
plied, have eight years passed away with so iew additions ; 
discord, and strife, and demoralizing influences innumera- 
ble, out of the question ? Depend upon it, a church and 
society are, ordinarily, in lamentable circumstances, for 
the time being, when contenting themselves with an 



trust, it is as when an armour-bearer falleth. But in what age of 
the church have there not been defections in the ministry, not ex- 
cepting that of the Apostles themselves ? What then ? Let Judas be 
branded as a traitor, and Peter too, till he repents; but let not the 
other Apostles, and our blessed Lord himself, come under condem- 
nation for tkeir faults ; — let it not be denied, that the ministry is still 
preeminently useful, and will be, in proportion as all who are in it are 
holy and devoted as ministers should be. 

5 



50 ADDRESS. 

irregular and unsettled ministry ; and in a fair way even- 
tually to be utterly broken down and scattered, and to 
entail upon those who come after them a degradation 
little inferior to that of the heathen. But be not satisfied 
with a regular and permanent ministry even ; if you 
would have all the benefits such a ministry is calculated 
to convey, give it an ample support. 

This is needful to mal<;e the ministry permanent. An- 
ciently, the ministers lived and died with their people. 
They were amply provided for ; so that it was unnecessa- 
ry to change for the sake of an income ; and hence could 
devote their time to study and the peculiar duties of 
their office, become eminent scholars and divines, and 
exert an influence, which, to this day even, is prover- 
bial. A similar course, now, would produce nearly 
similar results. Rowley has done well in this matter, 
and was amply remunerated. The ministers were fully 
supported ; and it was not till the expiration of one hun- 
dred and seventy-one years^ that a single pastor was 
dismissed in the old parish ; and in the second parish 
there has been no dismission for one hundred and seven 
years. The ministers, it was said, were fully supported. 
This, relative to those of the first parish at least, is evi- 
dent, from the amount of property left at their decease. 
Mr. Rogers's estate was appraised at £ 1,535 ; Mr. 
Phillips's at £ 989 ; Mr. Shepard's at X 515 ; Mr. Pay- 
son's at £ 2,580 ; Mr. Jewett's between £ 3,000 and 
£4,000; Mr. Bradford's at $4,626. Now, however 
they may have obtained this property, they had it, and 
the benefit of it ; and whatever was then its value, it is 
evident, they and their families were amply provided for. 
But many ministers, of a later day, have left, at their 
death, not as many pence as they did pounds. Look 



ADDRESS. 5 [ 

abroad, and you will find in alnaost, if not quite, all the 
counties in this Commonvveahh, widows and families of 
deceased ministers, who, were it not for some small do- 
nations from funds designed for their use, would be ex- 
ceedingly straitened for a comfortable livelihood. In 
years that are gone by, a settlement was usually given 
to ministers ; now very seldom. Then di farm was had ; 
now a garden is not always attainable. Then the salary 
was graduated according to the value of m.07iey ; now it 
is a fixed sum, worth little or much. Then the neces- 
saries of life were much less expensive than now, and 
the calls for aid to benevolent objects loere comparative- 
ly few ; now they are so numerous, that few ministers 
can fulfil the Apostolic injunction, " Be thou an ex- 
ample of the believers — in charity.''^ Then ministers 
had less labor and more aid than now. Mr. Rogers had 
the assistance of Mr. Miller and Mr. Brock in the com- 
mencement of his ministry ; and when he established a 
lecture once a fortnight, he applied for a colleague and 
had one ; and so had his successors down to the fifth 
minister ; but now a minister must do his ivork alone, 
greatly increased as it is. Then ministers had time to 
improve advantages for increasing the means of support, 
without curtailing their official labors [Mr. Payson and 
Mr. Bradford had schools] ; but now they must have 
two, perhaps three, services upon the Sabbath, and as 
many more during the week, attend concerts and con- 
ferences at home, and anniversaries and other meetings 
abroad, so that, if the complaints of churches and par- 
ishes would, not deter them from attention to other con- 
cerns to increase their means of support, and were it 
expedient to employ them, yet they would he' prevented 
for want of time and strength. I do not mean, that min- 



52 ADDRESS. 

isters should be rich, nor do I believe it best they should 
be poor. I am well aware, that this is a subject, which 
may be thought not very suitable for ministers themselves 
to present ; but I do not blush at all to urge it even. 
For, although it is true, that "■ so hath the Lord ordained, 
that they which preach the gospel should live of the 
gospel," yet it is not for ministers, on their own account ^ 
that I plead, for, rich or poor, if they have the spirit of 
their divine Master, they will feel, that they must preach 
the gospel ; that " necessity is laid upon them, and woe 
is unto them, if they preach not the gospel." But it is 
not best for a church and people, that their minister 
should be poor ; and hence it is, that I shamelessly con- 
tend for their ample support. They, who unduly stint 
their minister, stint themselves. If they " sow sparing- 
ly, they reap also sparingly." Their ministry thus be- 
comes irregular and changeable. They usually obtain 
less able men, and sadly cramp and palsy the energies 
of him they have ; and, besides, my friends, there is a 
manifest injustice in the matter, upon which indignant 
Heaven usually frowns. But, it may be asked, what is 
included in an ample support. I can now answer no 
better than in the words of a late minister : " Your 
minister should be furnished with a comfortable habita- 
tion, with food and decent apparel. He must be able 
to educate his children. He must have books. He 
must be an example of liberality. He ought, occasional- 
ly, to travel for health and improvement ; and he ought 
to lay up something for his wife and children in antici- 
pation of his own decease." If, then, you would per- 
petuate the inestimable blessings of gospel institutions, 
for which the fathers suffered and toiled, make them ob- 
jects of your chief regard ; and to this end maintain a 
regular and permanent ministry, and maintain it well. 



ADDRESS. 53 

Nor be satisfied with giving a mere pecuniary support. 
A minister, to do you the greatest amount of good, 
needs a better support than this. With a due propor- 
tion of your property, be needs your faithful attendance, 
with your families^ on all his ministrations ; he needs, 
also, union among yourselves, and a cordial cooperation 
in all his efforts to do good ; and he needs your unceasing, 
fervent prayers to God, without whose spirit, a Paul, 
or Apollos, or a Gabriel even, might labor in vain, and 
spend his strength for nought. Let these things be duly 
regarded in all the parishes, and religion icill flourish 
among you and around you ; future generations will rise 
up and call you blessed, as you do this day your fore- 
fathers ; and the salutary influence of religious institu- 
tions, through your instrumentality, will flow down here 
for ages and centuries to come, yea, to latest posterity. 
Having once more, after fourteen years' absence, visit- 
ed this my native place, and fulfilled the appointment 
with which I have been honored, according to the means 
of information afforded me, my measure of health, op- 
portunity, and ability ; having again looked around upon 
the places and objects familiar to my childhood and 
youth, and united with acquaintance and friends in cele- 
brating this interesting day ; and being now admonished, 
by the increase of years and the decays of nature, that I 
shall never walk these streets, nor gratify my eyes with 
these scenes again, I am constrained, in anticipation of 
the close of my present visit, to bid them all a solemn 
adieu. 

This hill of youthful science, the site of the village 
school where I was taught the rudiments of knowledge, 
farewell. Hills^ and dales, and brooks, and fields, and 
groves, endeared by a thousand fond recollections, fare- 
s' 



54 ADDRESS. 

well. Mansion of my birth^ the once happy home of 
father and mother, brothers and sisters, most of whom 
have now a mansion in the grave, farewell. This sacred 
desky where, from the lips of an honored father and 
other servants of God, I have often heard the truth ; 
that family-seat, this ancient house, in which I have 
listened, trembled, and resolved, farewell. Surviving 
companions of my childhood and youth, and a^ed fathers 
and mothers, my parents' remaining friends and mine, 
farewell. Yonder graves of parents, honored and be- 
loved, around you I linger, but to you, also, I must say, 
farewell. Respected friends, till our arrival, through 
rich grace in Christ Jesus, in that world where years 
and centuries of years shall cease to roll, and all the 
myriads of the redeemed of every generation shall meet 
to trace the history of God's providence, and everlast- 
ingly celebrate his wonders of love to the children of 
men ; till then, farewell, farewell. There, blessed be 
God, there, during the countless ages of eternity, will 
there be no more occasion to say, farewell. 



APPENDIX TO THE ADDRESS. 



A. 1. 

The first mention of Mr. Rogers, after he came to this 
country, which has been transmitted to us, is, that he ap- 
peared before Mr. Wilson's church of Boston, in the year 
1638, 10 mo. 2 day, and requested, for himself and for 
his people, the liberty of partaking of the Lord's Sup- 
per with them, and did first impart his desire to the elders, 
and having given them satisfaction, they acquainted the 
church with it, and before the sacrament, being called forth 
by the elders, he spoke to this effect, viz. that he and his 
company, (viz. divers families who came over with him this 
summer.) had, of a good time, withdrawn themselves from 
the church communion of England, on account of the many 
corruptions that are among them. But, first, he desired, 
that he might not be misunderstood, as if he did condemn 
all there ; for he did acknowledge a special presence of God 
there, in three things. 1st. In the soundness of doctrine 
in all fundamental truths. 2d. In the excellency of minis- 
terial gifts. 3d. In the blessing of God upon the same, 
for the work of conversion, and for the power of religion ; 
in all which, there appeared more in England than in all 
the known world besides. Yet there are such corruptions, 
that we could not, with safe conscience, join any longer 
with them. The first, their national church. Second, their 
hierarchy, wholly antichristian. Third, their dead service. 



56 APPENDIX 

Fourth, their receiving (nay compelling) all to partake of 
the seals. Fifth, their abuse of excommunications, wherein 
they inwrap many a godly minister, by causing him to 
pronounce their sentence, &c., they not knowing, that the 
ftar of excommunication lies in that. Hereupon they be- 
wailed before the Lord their sinful partaking so long in 
those corruptions, and entered a covenant together, to walk 
together in all the ordinances, &c. — Winthrop. 

1643. 3 mo. 10 day. Mr. Rogers preached the Elec- 
tion Sermon, in which he described how the man ought to 
be qualified whom they should choose for Governour, dis- 
suading them earnestly from choosing the same man twice 
together, and expressed his dislike of that, with such ve- 
hemency as gave offence. But when it came to trial, the 
former Governour (Mr. Winthrop) was chosen again. 

1647. 8 mo. 4 day. The Synod began at Cambridge. 
The next day Mr. Rogers preached in the forenoon, and 
the magistrates and deputies were present. In this sermon 
he took occasion to speak of the petitioners,* (then in ques- 
tion before the Court,) and exhorted the Court to do justice 
upon them, yet with desire of favor to such as had been 
drawn in, &c., and should submit. He reproved also the 
practice of private members making speeches in the church 
assemblies, to the disturbance and hindrance of the ordi- 
dances, also the call for reviving the ancient practice in 
England, of children asking their parents' blessing upon 
their knees, &c. Also, he reproved the great oppressions in 
the country, &:.c., and other things amiss, as long hair, i5cc. 
Divers were offended at his zeal in some of these pas- 
sages. — Winthrop. 

The following is a copy of a letter written by Mr. Rogers, 



* Referring to the petition of Mr. Peter Hubbard [or Hobart], of 
Hingham, and others, sent to England. — Hutchinson s History of 
Massachusetts. 



TO THE ADDRESS. 57 

with his left hand, to the Rev. Zechariah Symms, minis- 
ter of Charlestovvn, 

Under date of the '* Qth of the I2th month, 1657. 
** Deak Brother, 

" Though I have now done my errand in the other pa- 
per,* yet methinks I am not satisfied to leave you so sud- 
denly, so barely. Let us hear from you, I pray you. Doth 
your ministry go on comfortably ? Find you fruit of your 
labors? Are new converts brought in? Do your cliildren 
and family grow more godly ? I find greatest trouble and 
grief about the rising generation. Young people are little 
stirred here ; but they strengthen one another in evil, by ex- 
ample, by council. Much ado I have with my own family ; 
hard to get a servant that is glad of catechising, or family 
duties. I had a rare blessing of servants in Yorkshire ; 
and those I brought over were a blessing ; but the young 
brood doth much afflict me. Even the children of the god- 
ly, here and elsewhere, make a woful proof, so that I 
tremble to think what will become of this glorious work 
that we have begun, when the ancients shall be gathered 
unto their fathers ; I fear grace and blessing will die with 
them, if the Lord do not show some signs of displeasure, 
even in our days. We grow worldly everywhere ; me- 
thinks I see little godliness, but all in a hurry about the 
world; every one for himself; little care of public or com- 
mon good. It hath been God's way, not to send sweeping 
judgments when the chief magistrates are godly, and grow 
more so. I beseech all the Bay ministers to call earnestly 
upon magistrates, (that are often among them,) tell them, 
that their godliness will be our protection. If they fail, I 
shall fear some sweeping judgments shortly ; the clouds 
seem to be gathering. 

*' I am hastening home, and grow very asthmatical and 

* Another letter on business (no doubt), which accompanied this. 



58 APPENDIX 

short-breathed. Oh ! that I might see some signs of good 
to the generations following, to send me away rejoicing ! 
Thus I could weary you and myself, and my left hand ; but 
I break off suddenly. O good brother, I thank God, I am 
near home ; and you, too, are not far off. Oh ! the weight 
of glory, that is ready waiting for us, God's poor exiles ! 
We shall sit next the martyrs and confessors. Oh, the 
embraces, wherewith Christ will embrace us! Cheer up 
your spirits in the thoughts thereof; and let us be zealous 
for our God and Christ, and make a conclusion. Now the 
Lord bring us well through our poor pilgrimage. 
" Your affectionate brother, 

" EZEKIEL ROGERS." 



EPITAPH. 

A Resurrection to Immortality 

is here expected, 

for what was mortal 

of the Reverend 

EZEKIEL ROGERS, 

Put off, Jmmarij 23, 1660. 

When preachers die, what rules the pulpit gave 
Of living, are still preached from the grave. 
The faith and life, which your dead pastor taught, 
Now in one grave with him. Sirs, bury not. 

Abi, Viator. 
A Mortuo disce vivere ut Moriturus ; 
E Terris disce cogitare de Coelis. 

— Mather, Magnalia. 



The Rev. Ezekiel Rogers's Will. 

I, Ezekiel Rogers, born at Wethersfield, in Essex, in 

Old England, now of Rowley, in Essex, in New England, 

being at this time of good memory and competent health, 

through God's mercy ; yet not knowing when the Lord may 



TO THE ADDRESS. 59 

be pleased to put an end to this pilgrimage ; do ordain and 
make this my last will and testament. And first I will and 
desire everlasting praises be given to the one holy God in 
Jesus Christ, as for all his mercies to me, which are innu- 
merable, so for these three special blessings. First, for 
my nurture and education under such a father, Mr. Richard 
Rogers, in catechism and knowledge of the holy Scrip- 
tures, the want whereof I see to be the main cause of the 
errors of the times. Secondly, that whereas till I was about 
twenty years of age I made but ill use of my knowledge, 
but lived in a formal profession of the religion, the Lord 
was pleased, by occasion of a sore sickness which was 
like to be death, to make me to see the worth and need 
of Christ, and to take such hold of him as that I could 
never let him go to this hour, whereby I am now encour- 
aged to bequeath and commit my soul into his hands who 
hath redeemed it, and my body to the earth ; since he will 
give me, with these very eyes, to see my Redeemer. Third- 
ly, for my calling, even to be a minister of the gospel, the 
most glorious calling in the world, which the Lord brought 
[me] into, not without difficulty, for my [day] being in the 
time of the hottest persecution of that bloody hierarchy, and 
being enlightened concerning the evil and snare of sub- 
scription and ceremonies, I was advised to give over the 
thought of the ministry, and to betake myself to the study 
and practice of physic, but the Lord mercifully prevented 
that ; for though it be a good and necessary calling, I have 
observed, that the most, through their own corruption, have 
made it to themselves the very temptation to covetousness 
or lust, or both ; I therefore chose rather to lie hid about a 
dozen years, in an honorable family, exercising myself in 
ministerial duties for about a dozen years after my leaving 
the University. Then the Lord gave me a call to a public 
charge at Rowley, in Yorkshire, where, by the gentleness 
of Toby IMathew, I was favored both for subscription and 



(50 APPENDIX 

ceremonies, and enjoyed my liberty in the ministry about 
seventeen years in comfortable sort, till fur refusing to 
read that accursed book that allowed sports on God's holy 
Sabbath, or Lord's day, I was suspended, and, by it and 
other sad signs of the times, driven, with many of my hear- 
ers, into Neio England, where I have lived in my pastoral 
office about [twenty-one] years, with much rest and comfort, 
believing the way of the churches here to be according to 
the present light that God hath given, the purest in the 
whole world. Now age and infirmities calling upon me to 
look daily for my change. I profess myself to have lived 
and to die an unfeigned hater of all the base opinions of 
the Anabaptists, and Antinomians, and all other phrenetics, 
delays of the times, that spring from thence, which God will, 
ere long, cause to be as dung on the earth. I do also pro- 
test against all the evil fashions and guises of this age, both 
in apparel and that general disguisment of long ruffian-like 
hair, a custom most generally taken up at that time, when 
the grave and modest wearing of hair was a part of the 
reproach of Christ, as appears by the term of roundheads, 
and was carried on with a high hand, notwithstanding the 
known offence of so many godly persons, and without pub- 
lic expression of their reasons for any such liberty taken. 

As for my estate, I will and dispose thereof as followeth. 

First, I do bequeath and give to my well-beloved wife, 
Mary Rogers, ray dwelling-house, barn, and all the out- 
houses, also, my orchard, gardens, and the yards belong- 
ing and pasturage adjoining to the orchard on both sides 
of the brook, also the hemp-yard, also the upper house-lot 
on the other side of the highway, with all the land and 
horse pasture adjoining to the same land ; I give her also 
six acres of arable land, by the house of Ezekiel Northend, 
and my part of the warehouse pasture ; also, I give her 
hay-ground, salt and fresh, so much as my overseers shall 
judge sufficient to afford one year with another, thirty loads 



TO THE ADDRESS. 61 

of ha,y, and where slie will choose it, and all this only for 
her natural life. Also I give to my said wife all my goods, 
iiousehold-stuff, cattle, corn, and all my stock whatsoever. 

I give to my loving nephew, Mr. Samuel Stone, of Con- 
necticut, thirty pounds. 

I give to my cousin, his son John, ten pounds. 

I give to my dear brother and fellow-officer, Mr. Phil- 
lips, five pounds, and Aquinas his works in folio. _ ._ ,^^^^^ ':'■■ 

I give to my sometime servant, Elizabeth Jenney, alias 
Parrot, ten pounds. 

To my loving niece, Mrs. Mary Watosius, of Maiden, in 
Essex, in Old England, I give ten pounds. 

To my loving niece, Mrs. Eliza Cowton, wife of the 
preacher of Rotterdam, in Holland, I give ten pounds. 

I give to the wife of my cousin Rogers, of Billerica., 
five pounds. 

I give to my two present maidservants, each of them, 
one ewe lamb. 

All and every of these several legacies I will to be paid 
within one year after my death, except that into England 
and Holland, which shall be ready to be paid as soon as 
they shall appoint and empower any from themselves, or 
any merchant or merchants here, that may receive it in 
their behalf, and for their uses, and give a full acquittance, 
as empowered from them, that so my executrix or overseers 
may be fully discharged thereof. 

I give all my Latin books to Harvard College in Cam- 
bridge, and some English books, as appears in the cata- 
logue. 

Item. The rest of my estate in lands, that are not given 
unto my wife during her natural life, that is, the land at 
planting-hill, the land called Shat^well's ground, and all the -^ 
rest, be it meadow, fresh or salt, or other upland whatever, 
and one third part of gates or commonage, I give to the 
church and town of Rowley ; 2ipon condition, that they pay, 
6 



(52 APPENDIX 

or cause to be paid, or legally tendered, unto Ezekiel Rog- 
ers, the son of Mr. Nathaniel Rogers, late pastor of the 
church of Ipswich, deceased, the full sum of eight score 
pounds in country pay ; the one half, that is to say, four 
score pounds, within one year after my death, the other four 
score pounds, to be paid the next year after, that is, within 
two years after my death. 

And I entreat and appoint Mr. John Whipple, of Ipswich, 
the ruling elder, to be guardian for Ezekiel Rogers to re- 
ceive, or cause to be received this above said eight score 
pounds, and to give unto the church or town of Rowley a 
full discharge and acquittance upon the receiving thereof; 
and in case the church and town of Rowley pay not the 
above said eight score pounds, my will is, that the above 
said lands, that are not given unto my wife, shall be as- 
signed and set over by my overseers unto Ezekiel for the 
above said payment. 

Provided also, it shall not be in the liberty of the church 
or town of Rowley, to give, sell, or alien those lands or 
any part thereof, or appropriate them, or any part of them, 
to any other end or use, than for this, the better enabling 
them to carry on the ministry for ever. 

Also, all my houses, barn, and orchard, and all my lands, 
pastures and commonages and meadows, which I have given 
unto my wife Mary Rogers, during her natural life, after 
her decease, I do bequeath and give unto the church and 
town of Rowley, to enable them the better to maintain two 
teaching elders * in the church for ever, and upon that condi- 



* Meaning, no doubt, a pastor and a teacher. The first churches 
of Massachusetts were mostly furnished with a pastor, a teacher, and 
ruhng elders. The offices of pastor and teacher, in the first church in 
Rowley, have been united, since the death of Mr. Phillips, in 1696, 
and that of ruling elder was dropped at an earlier period. 

Mr. Rogers was denominated Pastor. Mr. Phillips was styled 



TO THE ADDRESS. 63 

tion, I do give them ; the time wliich I allow them for the 
settling of an elder shall be four years, and so from time to 
time as God makes any changes either by death or removal 
or any other way ; and in case that the church or town of 
Rowley fail of the condition of providing themselves of two 
teaching elders, according to the time prefixed, that is, 
within four years after they have this to enable them the 
better, and so from time to time within the said time of 
four years after God by his providence have made any 
change, my will is that the above said housing and lands 
shall be to the use of Harvard College, at Cambridge, in 
New England. 

I give also to the church my silver bowls, which they use 
for the communion, to be so used still, after my wife's decease. 

And I make and appoint my said well beloved wife the 
sole executrix of this my will and testament. 

And I appoint Maximilian Jewett and Samuel Brockle- 
bank, to be overseers of this my will and testament. 

Made and signed the 17th of April, 1660. 

EzEKiEL Rogers. 
Witnessed by us, 

Samuel Brocklebank, 

Maximilian Jewett, 

John Brocklebank. 

Sworn in Court by Maximilian Jewett and Samuel Brock- 
lebank, to be the last will and testament of Mr. Ezekiel 
Rogers. 

Robert Lord, Clerk. 

John Brocklebank sworn to the same in Court at Ipswich 
the 26th March, 1661. 

By me, Robert Lord, Clerk. 

Teacher, until the settlement of Mr. Payson, in 1682, when Mr. Phillips 
became pastor, and Mr. Payson teacher. 

Mr. Shepard was settled as pastor, and continued such to his 
death. 



64 



APPENDIX 



The above is taken from the original, on file in the Pro- 
bate Office at Ipswich.* 



Inventory. 

Mr. Rogers's real estate was appraised at £ 966 
Silver plate, including a gold ring and silver 

inkstand, . . . . 22 

Wearing apparel, . . . 17 17 

Nine horses and colts, . . . 90 

In oxen (supposed to be six), . . 40 

10 cows, . . . . . 40 

14 young neat cattle, . . . 35 

In sheep old and young, . . . 18 

In swine, . . . . 8 

5 beds, with the bedding, . . . 46 6 8 

Household furniture, including a clock, . 42 16 8 

110 bushels of wheat, barley, and Indian corn, 24 10 

Cloth and yarn, wool, hemp, and flax, . 13 

Fodder in the barn, . . . 10 

Armour and ammunition, . . 5 
Farming tools, . . . .1110 

Latin books, . . . . 47 10 8 

English books, . . . . 26 3 

Debts due the estate, . . . 53 16 5 
Saddle, bridle, and pillion, 1. 0. 0: Stock of 

bees, . . . 4 

Bacon, 3. 0. ; Other provisions, &c., 1 1 . 9. 4, 14 9 4 



^1,535 19 9 



Done March 5th, 1660-1. 

By Deacon Maximilian Jewett, 
Ensign Samuel Brocklebank, 
and John Lambert. 



* The foregoing document has been submitted to the consideration 
of several competent judges, including some of our Baptist friends, 



TO THE ADDRESS. 65 

It was during Mr. Rogers's ministry, viz. September lOtli, 
i644, two churches were appointed to be gathered, the one 
at Haverhill, the other at Andover, (both upon Merrimack 
River.) They had given notice thereof to the magistrates 
and ministers of the neighbouring churches, as the manner 
is with them in New England. The meeting of the assem- 
bly was to be at that time at Rowley, (the forementioned 
plantations, being then but newly erected, were not capable 
to entertain them that were likely to be gathered together 
on that occasion.) 

But when they were assembled, most of those who were 
to join together in church fellowship at that time, refused 
to make the confession of their faith and repentance, be- 
cause, as was said, they declared it openly before in other 
churches, upon their admission into them. Whereupon, 
the messengers of the churches not being satisfied, the as- 
sembly broke up before they had accomplished what they 
intended. But in October, 1645, messengers of churches 
met together again on the same account, when such satis- 
faction was given, that Mr. John Ward was ordained pastor 
of the clmrch of Haverhill on the north side of the said 
Merrimack, and Mr. John Woodbridge was ordained pastor 
of the church of Andover on the south side of the same. 



and a very earnest desire expressed for its publication entire. With 
that request, we have, not without some hesitation, concluded to com- 
ply. It contains some expressions, which, at this day, are liable to 
misapprehension. The character of the venerable testator is well 
known, lie had made extraordinary attainments in the divine life, 
and was eminently adorned with the Christian graces. All this is be- 
yond the reach of reasonable doubt. But he shared in the errors of 
the times. One of those errors consisted in the indulgence of undue 
severity upon religious opponents. It was a fault, we freely admit, 
which can never be wholly excused, though it certainly admits of 
great palliation. 

6* 



QQ APPENDIX. 

INSCRIPTION UPON MR. ROGERs's MONUMKNT. 

'' Sacred to the memory of the Rev, Ezekiel Rogers, first 
minister of the gospel in Rowley, who emigrated from 
Britain to this place, with his church and flock, A. D. 1G38. 
He finished his labors and life, January 23, 166'J, in 
his seventieth year. 

" He was a man of eminent piety, zeal, and abilities. 

'' His strains of oratory were delightful. Regeneration and 
union to Jesus Christ by faith, were the points on which he 
principally insisted ; he so remarkably described the feel- 
ings, exercises, motives, and characters of his hearers, that 
they were ready to exclaim, ' Who hath told him all this.' 
With the youth he took great pains, and was a tree of 
knowledge, laden with fruit, which children could reach. 

" He bequeathed a part of his lands to the town of Rowley, 
for the support of the gospel, which generous benefaction, 
we (in the first parish) enjoy to the present day; and here 
gratefully commemorate, by raising this monument to his 
memory. 

A. D. 1805." 

Mr. Rogers was at first buried at the foot of where the 
Rev. Mr. Phillips's grave and monument now are. On the 
23d of October, 1805, the grave was opened, and his bones 
taken up and put in a new box or coffin and placed beneath 
the monument erected to his memory. His bones were 
mostly entire, the head quite so; some hair remained, ad- 
hering to the head by pressure ; the callus upon his right 
arm, where it was broken above the elbow, was perceptible. 
He having been dead one hundred and forty-five years, nine 
months. Mr. Rogers's house stood upon land now owned by 
Deacon Samuel P. Jewett, a part of the ground upon which 
it stood, is (1840) covered by a house lately erected by said 
Deacon S. P. Jewett. In digging the southerly part of the 
cellar, the northerly part of the stoning of Mr. Rogers's cellar 



TO THE ADDRESS. 67 

was taken up. No house lias stood upon that site, since Mr. 
Rogers's was taken down, about the year 1G96. 



The first covenant found upon the records of the first 
church in Rowley, is the following. 

" You do solemnly covenant and promise before the Lord 
and his people, that by his help, forsaking all ungodliness 
and former lusts in your ignorance, you do avouch the 
Lord Jehovah Eloltim, one God in three persons, to be your 
God and portion ; you do also own the Lord Jesus the only 
supreme head and saviour of his church, to be your King, 
Priest, and Prophet; and you do further covenant to walk 
in a pr( fessed subjection unto all the holy ordinances and 
orders that Christ has appointed in his house ; and to walk 
as becomes God's covenanting servant with the members of 
this church, unto mutual edification and helpfulness, accord- 
ing to the rule of the gospel, so long as God shall continue 
you a member of this church of Christ. 

** We also do acknowledge ourselves engaged by the same 
solemn covenant to watch over you, and to aflford all chris- 
tian helpfulness to your edification, as God has required, and 
by his assistance." 



A. 2. 



The Rev. Samuel Phillips married, in 1651, Sarah, 
daughter of Samuel Appleton, of Ipswich, a descendant of 
John Appleton, who died at Great Waldingfield, in Suffolk, 
England, in 1436. 

By her, who died 15 July, 1714, aged eighty-six, he had 
eleven children ; 1. Samuel, born 1654, died young ; 2. Sarah, 
born 1656, married Stephen Mighill ; 3. Samuel, born 1658, 
was a goldsmith and settled in Salem, married Mary, daugh- 
ter of the Rev. John Emerson, of Gloucester, had two sons 
and four daughters; 4. George, born 1659, died young; 5. 
Elizabeth, born 1661, died young; 6. Ezekiel, born 1662, 



(38 APPENDIX. 

died young; 7. George, born 1664, graduated at Harvard 
College 1686, settled in the ministry at Brookhaven, on 
Lonor Island, New York, 1697, where he died 1739, aored 
seventy-five, (he left three sons, George, William, and John ; 
and three daughters); 8. Elizabeth, born 1665, married the 
Rev. Edward Payson ; 9. Dorcas, born 1667; 10. Mary, born 
1668; and 11. John, born 1670; the three last probably died 
young. 

Mr. Phillips was not wholly exempt from trouble; a por- 
tion of this good man's life was rendered unhappy by an 
event which took place incident to Mr. Rogers's death. A 
short time before that event happened, the selectmen (Mr. 
Philip Nelson, Ezekiel Northend, William Stickney, Thomas 
/\//WVJeaaey, and John Pickard,) laid a rate of <£ 60, to pay his 
salary for the then current year, which began in April ; in 
January he died, about three months before the expiration 
of ihe year ; soon after his death, the selectmen recalled the 
tax list from the collector, (Deacon Maximilian Jewett,) and 
made a new assessment ofc£50, committing the list to the 
same collector, ordering him to pay Mrs. Rogers £ 45, in 
full for the three fourths of the year which Mr. Rogers lived; 
the other .£5 of the assessment was ordered to Mr. Phillips, 
in consideration of his having carried on the work of the 
ministry alone, during Mr. Rogers's sickness, &c. Mrs, Rog- 
ers took it unkind in the selectmen thus to recall and alter the 
assessment, after they had once ordered the £ GO to be paid 
her husband, and she accused Mr. Phillips of receiving and 
retaining £ 5, which of right belonged to her. A majority 
of said selectmen even maintained that their doings in the 
case was just, and that they were not bound to do more. It 
appears by the deposition of John Pickard, one of said 
selectmen, (under date of June 5, 1679,) that all the select- 
men were well agreed in reducing the tax list, that Mr. 
Nelson himself wrote the new list ; yet, not long after this, 
Mr. Nelson undertakes to assist Mrs. Rogers in enforcing: 



TO THE ADDRESS. 69 

her claims, and blames Mr. Phillips, &c. The difficulty got 
into the church. Mrs. Rogers, in her last will, of which the 
following is an extract, admonishes Mr. Phillips and Deacon 
Jewett not to wrong her of the £ 5, &:.c. 

" My will is, that as concerninge the fiftene pounds that is 
dewe me for my husband Ezekiel Rogers his wages, as may 
apeare by the bill of the ministry rate entred in the church 
booke, the whole rate within a small matter beinge laide but 
never as yet payed to me, five pounds of this fiftene I per- 
ceived was delivered to Mr. Phillips and he stands charged 
with it in the church booke, and I have longe since made 
my complaint to him about it, and his answer to me was 
that he would not a had it, but as yet I have not received it 
nor any part else of the fiftene pounds, and therefore I would 
earnestly desire Mr. Sammuell Phillips and Deacon Jewet 
that they would not ronge me in this particular, least it be a 
greefe to them at the apearinge of Jesus Christ, and that this 
fiftene pounds care be taken that Thomas Lambert may 
have the same. And I doe make Phillip Nellson, of Rowley, 
exequitor of this my last will and testament, desiringe him, 
that my will in all these particulars may be performed. 

" Dated the 22 day of July, 1678. 

her \ 

" Mary //\ Rogers, > (seal). 

marke. j 

" Witnessess, 

"Jeremiah Shepard, 
" Elizabeth Nellson. 
"Approved April I, 1679." 

Phillip Nelson '•' renounced " his office of executor, and 
Mr. Thomas Nelson (his brother) was appointed administra- 
tor. 

Mrs. Rogers died February 12th, 1678-9. 

This matter of the <£ 5 becomes not only a source of 
difficulty in the church, but a cause of complaint against 
Mr. Phillips to the court at Ipswich. 



70 APPENDIX. 

On the 26th May, 1719. The church petition the General 
Court on the subject, and ask to be heard before them ; 
saying, " their Rev. Teacher hath been accused of com- 
mitting an unjust and felonious act, by wronging Mrs. 
Rogers, deceased, of her due, which stands upon record in 
Ipswich Court, by Mr. Nelson's doings." 

On the 28th of the same month, they prefer another 
petition to the General Court, asking them to appoint an 
ecclesiastical council to hear the case, &c. 

The Court refer the petition to the October Session, 
and recommend an adjustment of the difficulties among 
themselves. 

On the I4th of October, the church represent to the Court, 
that they have had many meetings without effecting any 
settlement of difficulties. They therefore entreat the Court 
to grant their former request. 

" October 20. The Court order, that the church of Ips- 
wich, Newbury, Hampton, and the three churches of Boston, 
the church of Salem, Beverly, Portsmouth, and Haverhill, be 
written unto by the secretary, in the name of this Court, to 
assemble at Rowley, on the third Wednesday of November, 
to give their solemn advice and issue to the said differences 
as God shall direct, and to make return to the next General 
Court. 

'^ Attest, William Torrey, Clerk." 

Result of Council. 

'* The messengers of the several churches assembled at 
Rowley, (November 19, 1679,) being met together in the 
name of Christ, and the call of the General Court, to hear, 
and (if the Lord shall so please) to issue the differences in 
that church, after serious seeking unto God for the guidance 
of his holy spirit to direct us in the affair before us, and 
after an impartial hearing what both parties have alleged, 



TO THE ADDRESS. 71 

we do, as in the Lord's name and fear, declare and give 
solemn advice as followeth. 

" Since it has pleased the God of all grace for his own 
name sake, so far to manifest his presence with, and his 
blessing upon the endeavours of his servants, as that Mr. 
Nelson, who had been an occasion of the said differences in 
the church at Rowley, hath acknowledged his offence in all 
the particulars for which the church had proceeded with him 
to excommunication, so as hath been joy and comfortable 
satisfaction, that you have with much unanimity received him 
into your holy fellowship again, confirming your love to- 
wards him, and that both parties have declared that they do 
mutually forgive and forget whatever offences have fallen 
out amongst them in these hours of temptation. 

" We bow our knees before the God and Father of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, in humble thankfulness for his great 
mercy, desiring that his name alone may have all the glory ; 
and that so the peace which God hath graciously restored to 
the church in Rowley, may by his blessing be continued 
and confirmed. 

" We further advise that the whole church in Rowley 
humble themselves before the Lord in a way of fasting and 
prayer, because of the differences which have been among 
you, and the dishonor which thereby hath happened unto 
the blessed name of Christ, whose they are ; and that they 
do explicitly and with all their heart, and with all their soul, 
renew their covenant with God, and one with another. 

*' And as for the inhabitants of the town of Rowley, which 
no doubt have, many of them, been concerned in the late 
unhappy differences; we solemnly advise, so far as any of 
them may have had any influence in these troubles, they 
judge themselves for it before the Lord. And that for the 
future they do what in them is, in order to the strengthening 
of the restored peace in the church here. 

" We likewise exhort both the church and whole conffre- 



72 . APPEiNDIX. 

gation of Rowley that they would strengthen the heart and 
hands of their Reverend and faithful Teacher, holding him 
in reputation for his works' sake, that he may be able to give 
an account concerning all the souls over whom God hath set 
him, as his watchman, with joy, and not with grief, for that 
will be unprofitable for them, and that the Lord nifiy not be 
provoked to deprive them of so choice a blessing, but that 
having one heart, and living as brethren, true peace may be 
with them, continuing the tokens of his gracious presence 
in the midst of them, for the good of you and your children 
after them. 

'' Joshua Moody, 



T 14T zu » Moderators. 

Increase Mather, J 

" In the name and with the unani- 
mous consent of the whole council." 

The ministers, called to sit in this council, were. 
From Ipswich, Rev. William Hubbard or Thomas Cobbet, 
perhaps both. 

" Newbury, Rev. John Richardson. 

" Hampton, Rev. Seaborn Cotton. 

" Boston, 1 chh. Rev. James Allen, 2 chh. Rev. Increase 
Mather, 3 chh. Rev. Samuel Willard. 

*' Salem, Rev. John Iligginsoii. 

** Beverly, Rev. John Hale. 

" Portsmouth, Rev. Joshua Moody. 

'' Haverhill, Rev. John Ward. 

Mr. Philip Nelson had been the occasion of other difficul- 
ties in the church by pretending to cure a deaf and dumb 
boy in imitation of our Saviour, by saying Eppkatha. The 
ministers of the neighbouring churches were called together, 
and the boy was brought before them, to see whether he 
could speak or not. He was interrogated, but " there he 
stood," says the church records, "like a deaf and dumb 
boy as he was." They could not make him hear, nor could 
he speak. 



TO THE ADDRESS. 73 

The Rev. Mr. Phillips lived upon that homestead now- 
owned by Bradstreet Creasey, one acre and an half of the 
southerly side of the same, with a house and barn thereon, 
he purchased (March 16, 1664,) of Susannah Trumble, de- 
scribed as follows, " bounded west by the street, east upon the 
brook, south side by Richard Leighton, northerly side by 
said Phillips. " Recorded book 2, page 255. 

It is not known that the Rev. S. Phillips had any own 
brother or sister, his mother died in Salem soon after her land- 
ing in June, 1630, his father, the Rev. George Phillips mar- 
ried a second wife whose name was Elizabeth ; by her, who 
died January 27, 1681, he had 1. Zerobabel, born 5 day 
2 mo. 1632 ; 2. Jonathan, born 19 day 10 mo. 1633 ; 3. The- 
ophilus, born 28 day 4 mo. 1636; 4. Annible, born - day 
10 mo. 1637 ; 5. Awbett, born 1638 ; 6 Ephraim, born 1640 : 
Obadiah, born 1641. The two last died in infancy, and 
perhaps others. 

It was during Mr. Phillips's ministry the following order 
w^as adopted, viz. 

Ordered, That every person shall sit in the meeting-house 
as directed by the selectmen, on penalty of 55. a time^ ex- 
cept on special occasions, to make way for others. 

In November, 1839, a chaste and handsome marble mon- 
ument was placed over the remains of the Rev. Samuel 
Phillips and his wife, in the burial ground at Rowley, upon 
which is the following inscription. 

*' Beneath this stone are buried the remains of Samuel 
Phillips, the second pastor of the church in Rowley. 

"■ lie was born in Boxford, England, A. D. 1625. Came 
to America with his father, George Phillips, first minister of 
Watertown, Massachusetts, in 1630, was graduated at Har- 
vard College in 1650, was settled in the Christian ministry in 
this place, in June, 1651, where he served God and his gener- 
ation faithfully for forty-five years, and died April 22, 1696. 

*' Near this spot are buried the remains of his wife, Sarah, 
7 



74 APPENDIX 

daughter of Samuel Appleton, of Ipswich; she died 15 
July, 1714, aged eighty-six years. 

" From them have descended, among others, George Phil- 
lips, minister of Brookhaven, Long Island, New York, who 
died 1739, aged seventy-five years. 

'^ Samuel Phillips, minister at Andover, Massachusetts, 
died June 5, 1771, aged eighty-one years. 

"Samuel Phillips, one of the founders of Phillips' Academy, 
Andover, died August 21, 1790, aged seventy-six years. 

" John Phillips, founder of Phillips' Academy, Exeter, New 
Hampshire, died April, 1795, aged seventy-six years. 

" Samuel Phillips, Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, 
died in Andover, February 10, 1S02, aged fifty years. 

" William Phillips, a distinguished merchant and patriotic 
citizen, died in Boston, January, 1804, aged eighty-two years. 

" William Phillips, Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, 
died in Boston, May 26, 1827, aged seventy-seven years. 

"And John Phillips, President of the Senate of Massa- 
chusetts, and first Mayor of Boston, died in Boston, May 
29, 1823. 

" This monument is erected by Hon. Jonathan Phillips, of 
Boston, a descendant in the sixth generation. A. D. 1839." 



A. 3. 



The Rev. Samuel Shepard was called to part with a beloved 
wife, February 12, 1667-8, just fifty-four days previous to 
his own death. Samuel, their only child, was born August 10, 

1667, graduated at Harvard College, 1685, (at eighteen years 
of age). The Rev. Mr. Shepard's will bears date April 4, 

1668, (three days only before his death). The Rev. Henry 
Flint, with Margery his wife, were his executors. 

The will was approved April 22, 1668. 

The Rev. Henry Flint died April 27, 1668, leaving his 



TO THE ADDRESS. 75 

widow sole executrix of said will, who also had the care of 
educating Samuel. Mr. Shepard bequeathed most of his 
estate (which was appraised at £515. 11.6) to his only 
son. 1671 -2, March 13, the town voted, That a farm of 
one hundred acres be granted to }oung Samuel Shepard, 
to come into possession of when he shall arrive at twenty- 
one years of age. 



A. 4. 



Mr. Jeremiah Shepard was the cause of much trouble in 
the church and town of Rowley, (although never ordained 
in the place.) He commenced preaching here February, 
1672-3, and soon after moved his family into town. 
December 12, 1673, the town make him a grant of c£ 50, 
and one load of wood from each man who has a team, for 
his work in the ministry the then present year. 1674, 
the town make him a grant of a sum of money as a gratu- 
ity for his coming up to serve them, (as Mr. Shepard him- 
self expresses it.) 

The town also agree to give him ,£ 50 per annum while 
he continues to preach among them. To these votes 33 
persons dissented, viz. 

Joseph Boynton, John Harris, 

Thomas Burkbee, John Hopkinson, 

James Barker, Jr. Jonathan Hopkinson, 

James Bailey, Jr. John Johnson, 

John Burbank, Jr. Nicholas Jackson, 

Nathaniel Barker, Ezekiel Jewett, 

Barzilla Barker, Dea. (Maximilian) Jewett, 

John Bailey, William Jackson, 

Joseph Chaplin, George Kilborn, 

James Dickinson, Thomas Leaver, Jr. 

Jeremiah Elsworth, Abell Longley, 



76 APPENDIX 

Richard Leighton, John Scales, 

John Pickard, Thomas Tenney, 

John Pearson, Sen. William Tenney, 

John Pearson, Jr. John Trumble, 

Mark Prime, John Tod. 

John Sawer, 

From this time difficulties increase, the parties become 
obstinate. At the annual meeting for choice of town offi- 
cers, January I9th, 1076-7, it seems the parties were 
nearly equal in number ; on that day they elected but three 
of their five Selectmen, viz. Samuel Platts, Richard Holmes, 
and Daniel Wicom, two of them at least, (Platts and Wic- 
om,) friendly to Mr. Shepard. On the 30th of January, 
John Pickard and William Tenney are chosen Selectmen, 
both opposed to Mr, Shepard. 

Toward the close of this meeting, it was moved, that the 
town invite Mr. Shepard to establish a monthly lecture ; the 
vote being taken, it passed in the negative ; a reconsidera- 
tion was attempted, when the meeting brake up in con- 
fusion. 

On the 16th of March, the town added two more to 
their board of Selectmen, viz. John Bailey and John 
Pearson, both opposed to Mr. Shepard. A majority of the 
town had now become decidedly opposed to him, and re- 
fused to pay him his £ 50, as formerly voted. Mr. Shepard 
brought an action against Thomas Tenney, William Ten- 
ney, and John Trumble, in behalf of the town, for one 
year's salary of c£50, and recovers judgment at Ipswich 
Court. The town appealed to the court of assistants. A 
compromise takes place, on the 7th of February, 1677-8, 
Mr. Shepard, in consideration of c£20 paid him, gives the 
town a receipt in full. 

Many in the town had a strong desire to settle Mr. Shep- 
ard, notwithstanding he was a non-professor, but so great 
were the difficulties existing in the place on account there- 



TO THE ADDRESS. 77 

of, that application was made to the General Court for their 
interposition, who make the following order, viz. 

" After a full hearing of the differences that have arisen 
at Rowley, referring to the settlement of Mr. Shepard as 
minister among them. 

" This Court do declare, that they will not countenance 
any procedure or actings therein contrary to the laws of 
this court, having therein made provision for the peace of 
the churches and a settled ministry in each town. And 
that all votes passed by any among them contrary thereto, 
are hereby declared null and void. And do order, that the 
actors therein, viz. Daniel Wicom, David Bennett, Sam- 
uel Platts, and Jonathan Platts, as abetters therein, be 
admonished, and pay as costs, £6. 7. 8." 



A. 5 



The Rev. Edward Payson, by Elizabeth, his first wife, had 
a numerous family of children. 1. Elizabeth, born 1684; 2. 
Sarah, born 1686; 3. Mary, born 1687; 4. Eliphalet, born 
1689; 5. Mehitable, born 1691 ; 6. Samuel, born 1693; 7. 
Edward, born 1694; 8. Elizabeth, born 1697; 9. Hannah, 
born 1693; 10. Elliot, born 1700; 11. Stephen, born 1701; 
12. Sarah, born 1702; 13. Jonathan, born 1703; 14. David, 
born 1705; 15. Phillips, born 1707; 16. Sarah, born 1709; 
17. Susannah, born 1712; three others died in infancy; six 
sons and four daughters survived their father ; viz. Mary 
(who married Joseph Jewett, jr.), Eliphalet, Mehitable (who 
married Humphrey Hobson), Samuel, (graduated at Har- 
vard College, 1716,) Edward, Elizabeth (who married 
Ezekiel Northend), Elliot, Jonathan, David, and ifusannah 
(who married James Hibbert). 

The son Phillips, mentioned above, died the same year 
in which he was born ; therefore, he could not have been 
7# 



78 APPENDIX 

the Phillips Paysoii mentioned by Mr. Farmer in his Gen- 
ealogical Register, who graduated at Harvard College, 1724, 
afterwards the minister of Walpole. 

Mr. Farmer is also in an error, as is the Quarterly Register, 
in saying, " The late Rev. Edward Payson, D. D., of 
Portland, was of the fifth descent, the whole line being 
clergymen from the Rowley minister." 

The Rev. Edward Payson, D. D. of Portland, was a son of 
the Rev. Seth Payson, D. D., of Rindge, New Hampshire, 
and grandson of the aforenamed Rev. Phillips Payson, of 
Walpole. The Walpole minister was the son of Samuel 
and Mary Payson, of Dorchester, born February 29, 
1704-5. 

Samuel Payson was probably a grandson of Edward 
Payson, of Roxbury, and a nephew of the Rowley minis- 
ter. 

Edward Payson, of Roxbury, had two wives. By his first, 
whose name was Jane, he had a daughter Mary, born 2 
day 7 mo. 1641. On the 10th day of the same month, his 
wife died. By a second wife, he had, 1. John, born 11 day 
4 mo. 1643; 2. Jonathan, born 19 day 10 mo. 1644; 3. 
Edward, born June 20, 16">7. 

Samuel, of Dorchester, might have been a son of John or 
Jonathan ; Jonathan was a deacon in the church at Rox- 
bury. 

There was a Silas Payson, of Roxbury, who was a cotem- 
porary of Edward, and had children. 

The Rev. Mr. Payson's house stood nearly opposite to the 
Congregational meeting-house, upon land now owned by 
Richard Kimball, and near where the vestry stands. 

The following, (written by Mr. Payson,) is copied from a 
printed ' eet published at the time of Mr. Phillips's death. 



TO THE ADDRESS. 79 



A 

SMALL CONTRIBUTION 

TO 

THE MEMORIAL OF THAT TRUELY WORTHY, AND WORTHirV MAN 
OF GOD, 

MR. SAMUEL PHILLIPS, 

Pastor to the Church of Christ in Rowley; who deceased, April 22(1, 1696, 
^tatis 71. 



Mil. Phillips Alive. 

One thousand six hundred fifty and one, 
This grave, bright morning star arose and shone. 
Whom God in this orb most kindly did fix, 
Until sixteen Hundred ninety and six, 
Rowley him saw about Forty-six Years, 
Now him no more see, Lo ! he disappears: 
In all that long space in which he did live, 
The World was happy in him we believe. 
His joyful sound was heard in places all, 
He did his part in Building Zion's Wall. 
Look here or there, still Phillips you shall find, 
Ready with his Trowel, Hand, Heart, and Mind. 
Some choice attendance on his hardest toil 
Were cheerfulness, with spirit void of guile. 
No man more grave, sage, solid, sober, good. 
Yet break a jest, and pleasant be he would. 
For Faith, for Love, for well set Charity, 
Let him be rank'd among the choicest Thrffe. 
All sturdy Sons of Satan, he withstood. 
But hungry hearted Saints from him, had food. 



80 APPENDIX 

Tell him here's one clistress'd much in mind, 

Good Soul! saith he, God grant you comfort find. 

For ev'ry thing that's winning, worthy, well, 

I Me give you leave, find me his parallel. 

He liv'd, he lov'd, and loved was by all, 

A Cedar Tree grown up exceeding Tall. 

Yet now cut down ; alas ! must I say so, 

What in the World shall I, poor I ! now do. 

Full fifteen years I had his Company, 

Now lonesome left, sad and solitary. 

Oft in God's House together, when all was done. 

Home with me came ; now I must Home alone. 

If any was, is, or will true Mourners be. 

So was, so is, so must, so will E. P. ! 



Mr. Phillips Dead. 

" Who being Dead, yet speaketh." 

1. To his Count?'?/. 

The Work of God lay on my heart, 
Before this Life I did depart. 
This land I lov'd wherein I dwelt. 
Some pain for it I often felt. 
My Bowels, my Bowels within were turn'd. 
To see this Land with Judgments burn'd. 
Sin and Sorrow, much intermixt. 
Your Glory going out, them betwixt. 
Your Ancient Rights remov'd away. 
Foundations fall'n into decay, 
Religion sweet, going on to die. 
All men almost on it look shie. 
The Channel of New England zeal, 
Diverted much, where, who can tell ? 



TO THE ADDRESS. 81 

This Rings Religion's Passing Bell, 

And Lebanon hath lost her smell. 

New upstart modes now gains more room, 

Than kind offers of our Bridegroom. 

Christ's Fishers Row and tire and toil, 

Yet Roast but little of the spoil. 

The nervous Cords of Gospel Wooings, 

Enervate lie, amidst our rowings. 

Seas of Pleasures, or Sinks of Sin, 

Emerge the Seed ; make Converts thin. 

Th' old serious sort of Piety, 

Evaporates in Oralr'y. 

These things 1 saw, I mourn'd, I wept, 

I fear'd New England must be sweapt. 

Sometimes I said I '11 live and die. 

In hope that God would not deny. 

To fix this vine in former Bliss, 

For which I prayed Stmel and Bis. 

Now then by me be yet advis'd. 

Let drop your Fears, be not disguis'd, 

Appear for God, for Christ, for Truth, 

Old men and Babes, Young men and Youth. 

Behold the Lamb on Zion Hill, 

Learn his new Song, so sing on still : 

Take your good Mother by the Hand, 

So Glory rest shall in your land. 



2. To His Flock. 

I Often told you what you see fulfill'd. 
That I, to stroke of Death myself must yield. 
I found it hard to scuffle with that Foe, 
Yet did submit, since God would have it so. 



S2 APPENDIX 

Now farewell Flock most kind, my people all, 

Oh ! that best Blessings down on you might fall. 

For you I pray'd, I preach'd, I thought, I spake, 

I willing was with all, for your sake. 

A Father I, you Sons, now Orphans left, 

God lent, God took, you must not call it theft. 

And now my will I leave you all, is this; 

I will you Christ, love, joy, peace, heaven, bliss. 

Me you must hear no more ! no more ! no more ! 

Now gather what is sown, lay up in store. 

Oh ! Sinners ! Sinners ! Sinners ! pray don't die, 

I dead, yet speak, me hear once more, I cry, 

To your poor simple souls ! turn in and live, 

That I of you some good account may give. 

In fine, live all in Faith, in Love, in fear, 

So travel on, until you all come here. 

I longed for you all, God knows I did. 

Pray mind your souls, now I am laid Bed-rid. 



3. To his Family. 

I was a Pastor, Husband, Father, Master, now 
Sustain no such Relation to you, or you 
My Flock, my Wife, my Children all to me were dear 
While in the World ; but not so much since I came here. 
Yet let me drop feio words 'mongsi them I leave behind, 
Though now I need you not, yet would not be unkind. 
Dear Wife ! to me thou always wer't a friend, 
In troubles all thou beard'st the bigger end. 
I might lie down and sleep, and take my rest. 
Thou busie still to order things for th' best ; 
Good while we liv'd together in content, 
God broke the league, and I away am sent. 



TO THE ADDRESS. 83 

Mine eyes are clos'd that oft saw thee with joy, 

God grant no ill may henceforth thee annoy ; 

God be thy guide, thy head, thy help, thy all, 

I know thy cup's now full of wormwood Gall ; 

Fulfil thy Race in joy, live cheerfully, 

1 hope again to have thy Company. 

Our lovely Babes whose death oft made us groan. 

Here fast by Christ I find they make no moan. 

My Children six, that yet alive remain. 

My death to you, I wish may be much gain. 

Now if you cry and say, how can that be, 

Be more inflam'd with zeal to follow me ; 

Live well, win Christ, get Grace, pray hard, hate sin, 

By all means strive to gain more wealth within. 

Your Father in Heaven is, look that way more, 

Thus you '11 gain wealth, and much increase your store. 



Mr. Phillips Buried. 

At Rogers's Head and ShepnrcTs Side, 
In Creeps this Saint, and's not deni'd ; 
Come Brother Phillips, come to Bed, 
Here's room enough, lay down thy head. 
Thou held'st out long, it's time give out, 
Come rest with us, here is no rout. 
Let's fall to sleep, and silent be, 
A little while ; I, thou, and he. 
Thus these three Saints in silence lie, 
Scarce whisper aught to him that's by. 
These Triumvirs got into their old Mother, 
Lye very still, and sweetly sleep together. 
There we must leave them at their quiet sleep, 
Though't fills our eyes and hearts with sorrows deep. 



^ 



84 APPENDIX 

Come, let's return, go home, and this lament, 
Until our race be run and time is spent. 
Ita Luget ab imo corde Affectus. 

Edward Payson. 

It was during Mr. Payson's ministry, the following orders 
were adopted, viz. 

1697. A new meeting-house having been built, a com- 
mittee of seven was appointed by the town, to seat the peo- 
ple therein. The rule for seating was age, office, and 
amount paid towards building said house. 

1708. Leave was granted to Samuel Prime, Mark Prime, 
Samuel Lancaster, and Robert Greenough, to build them- 
selves a pew in the north corner of the meeting-house, in 
the gallery, and another for their wives in the easterly cor- 
ner, in the gallery. These were the first pews, except the 
minister's, that were built in this house. 

1715. Ordered, That people be seated in the meeting 
house according to age, and amount paid to the two last 
minister rates. 

1703. The meeting-house bell was sent to England and 
recast with addition. In 1742, the bell was once more sent 
to England, to be recast with addition, and again received 
the next year ; this bell weighed 334 pounds, in 1808, it 
was exchanged in Boston for another weighing about 900 
pounds. 

1707. Ordered, That Goodman Thomas Palmer ring 
the bell on Sabbath days, and at nine o'clock every night, 
and on other occasions, and sweep the meeting-house clean 
once every week, and to have £ 5. 10. 0. 



A. 6. 



The Rev. Jedediah Jewett, and Elizabeth, his first wife, 
had two children, viz. 1. Dummer, born April 25, 1732, 



TO THE ADDRESS. 85 

graduated at Harvard College, 1752, was a merchant in 
Ipswich. In a fit of insanity, he destroyed his own life, 
by a leap from the garret window of his own house, Octo- 
ber, 1788, aged fifty-six years. 

2. Dorothy, born May 2, 1735. She married, January 
18, 1753, Dr. John Calef, of Ipswich. 

Two grandsons of Dummer Jewett are now living, one a 
preacher of the Methodist denomination. 

1754. The parish voted, that Mr. Jewett have the use 
and improvement of all the upland and marsh at Sandy 
Bridge, four rights in the east end ox-pasture, and two rights 
in the mill swamp pasture, for and during the term of his 
ministry, he allowing £ G, lawful money, per annum for 
rent. 

In December, 1774, the first parish purchased of Dum- 
mer Jewett, for a parsonage, the homestead and buildings 
that were his father's, for which they paid ^300, or $ 1000. 
These buildings were erected by Mr. Jewett, soon after his 
ordination, being the same now owned and occupied by Jo- 
seph Smith. 



A. 7. 



Mr. John Blydenburgh was the occasion of much trouble 
in the first church and parish of Rowley. He commenced 
preaching in the parish, in the latter part of the year 1774. 
Up to September 28, 1775, he had preached more than 
twenty Sabbaths. On that day the parish voted, to give 
him a call to settle in the ministry, with a salary of £ 75, 
and the use of the parsonage (lately owned by the Rev. Mr. 
Jewett). To this vote, twenty men entered tlicir dissent 
upon the record, viz. Thomas Gage, Thomas Lancaster, 
Moses Hobson, James Barker, Edward Saunders, Joseph 
Kilborn, Ebenezer Kilborn, Nathaniel Gage, Stephen 



86 APPENDIX 

Palmer, Asa Todd, Nathaniel Barker, Jeremiah Mighill, 
Paul Jevvett, Humphrey Saunders, Nehemiah Jewett, Jacob 
Pickard, Moses P. Payson, William Gage, Moses Palmer, 
and Samuel N. Gage. The opposition being so great, 
Mr. Blydenburgh did not accept the call, 

January 25, 1776. The parish again voted to give him 
a call, when about the same number entered their dissent 
upon record. 

The parish having become nearly equally divided upon 
the question of employing Mr. Blydenburgh to preach, each 
party seem to watch every opportunity for taking advan- 
tage of their opponents. Parish meetings were frequently 
held in the most busy season. Three times, within the 
space of three months in this year, they dismissed their 
committee for supplying the pulpit, and appointed others in 
their place. 

June 5, 1777. The Blydenburgh party prevailed, and 
instructed their committee, appointed at a parish meeting 
this day holden, to engage Mr. Blydenburgh to preach six 
months, if they could obtain him for so long a time. 
Twenty-one voters entered their dissent. 

Captain Joseph Scott, Deacon Jeremiah Jewett, and Cap- 
tain Moses Jewett, were the committee to hire. 

Mr. Blydenburgh was not obtained, as above directed ; 
but Mr. Paul Litchfield (afterward settled in Carlisle), be- 
fore the close of November, had preached eighteen Sab- 
baths. 

February 2, 1778. The parish instructed their com- 
mittee to engage Mr. Blydenburgh to supply the pulpit 
twelve months. Twenty-six voters entered their dissent. 
The name of Deacon Thomas Mighill appears for the first 
time among the dissenters. 

In May, the parish are informed that Mr. Blydenburgh 
declines an engagement to preach for them. 

March 10, 1779 The parish again instruct their com- 



TO THE ADDRESS. 87 

mittee to employ Mr. Blydenburgh to preach three months. 
From this vote forty-two entered their dissent. It is be- 
lieved, that Mr. Blydenburgh again declines an engagement. 

December I. The parish again instruct their committee 
to employ Mr. Blydenburgh for six Sabbaths. He engaged 
for that time. 

February I, 1780. The parish vote to employ Mr. Bly- 
denburgh four Sabbaths more. At this meeting the parish 
propose leaving all matters in dispute relative to Mr. Bly- 
denburgh to the determination of three disinterested men ; 
the parish, as such, to choose one ; Mr. Blydenburgh one ; 
and those disaffected with Mr. Blydenburgh to choose the 
third man. The parish, on their part, appointed Colonel 
Jacob Gerrish of Newbury ; none were appointed by the 
other parties. 

February 12 and March 8. Other parish meetings are 
called, in which it was proposed to submit all matters in 
dispute, relative to Mr. Blydenburgh, to the determination 
of referees, or to the association of ministers in this vicinity, 
when the parish negative every proposition brought before 
them. 

From this time Mr. Blydenburgh's name does not again 
appear on the record. After a period of more than five 
years of almost incessant turmoil and strife, the contending 
parties seem to grow weary of contention. 

In May, the parish invite Mr. Jonathan Allen (afterward 
of Bradford) to preach three months. In July, the church 
and parish both invite him to preach on probation. In 
September, the church and parish concur in giving him a 
call to settle, and invite him to preach seven Sabbaths. 
Twenty-two persons entered their dissent from the call of 
the parish. He preached the seven Sabbaths, but negatived 
the call. 



88 APPENDIX 



A. 8. 



The Rev. Ebenezer Bradford had nine children, seven 
sons and two daughters, viz. 1. Ebenezer Green, born Feb- 
ruary 19, 1777 ; 2. William, born June 8, 1779 ; 3. John 
Melancthon, born May 15, 1781 ; 4. Jacob Pierson, born 
January 18, 1783 ; 5. Elizabeth Green, born December 
22, 1784 ; 6. James, born September 11, 1786 ; 7. Moses, 
born October II, 1788; 8. Henry, born July 1,1790; 
9. Mary Cleaveland, born March 25, 1792. The three 
first were born at Danbury, Connecticut. 

1784. The parish voted, that JMr. Bradford, during 
his ministry, have, the use of all their lands, in the home- 
stead, formerly the Rev. Mr. Jevvett's, he allowing £5 \0s. 
per annum, as rent. His salary, at this time, was paid in 
the following manner, viz. silver at Gs. 8d. per ounce ; 
Spanish milled dollars at 6s. each, for paying £58 
Indian corn at 3.s'. per bushel, on the 25th of De- 
cember, for paying . . . , 13 10 
Good merchantable flour at 18i-. per hundred, on 

the 25th of December, for paying . . 5 

Good beef, December 1st, at ^^d. per pound, 

for paying 9 

Good pork, December 1st, at 3^(1. per pound, for 

paying . . . . . . . 9 

The rent of the land in Jewett place, for paying 5 10 



^100 

Besides twelve cords of wood. 

1795, August 6th. Pomp, a colored man, was hung on 
Pingree's plain, in the road between Rowley and Ipswich, 
for killing his master, Captain Charles Furbush, of Ando- 
ver. The Rev. Mr. Bradford prayed with him at the gal- 
lows. 



TO THE ADDRESS. 89 



A. 9. 

The Rev. Willard Holbrook's children are three sons 
and three daughters, viz. 1. Amory, born August 15, 1S20, 
an undergraduate at Bowdoin College ; 2. John Crocker, 
born August 27, 1822, died July 26, 1829 ; 3. Willard 
Rogers, born March 1, 1824, preparing for college ; 4. Ma- 
ry Elvira, born May 29, 1826 ; 5. Mary Crocker, born 
June 23, 1829; 6. Sarah Elizabeth, born June 7, 1831. 
The three last died in infancy. 

An Ecclesiastical Council was convened at Rowley on 
the 21st of April, 1840, at the invitation of the Rev. Wil- 
lard Holbrook, and the church under his pastoral care, 
" to consider and give advice in relation to some existing 
difficulties between the church and their pastor." The 
following extract is taken from the result of that Council. 

" The Council are aware, that cases may exist in which 
the bands between a minister and people must be dissolved, 
without any criminality on either side, which forfeits confi- 
dence in Christian character. Sometimes a measure may 
be expedient, for which, in theory, no good reason can be 
given. But such cases are rare, and in the present in- 
stance they must say, that no reasons have been assigned, 
that should impair our confidence in the piety ^ the pru- 
dence, the ability, or the ministerial demeanor of our be- 
loved brother in any respect. If, therefore, we advise a 
dismission from the church, it must be in compliance with 
his own wishes, and in acquiescence to a sad necessity. 
There is a single consideration we would here suggest. It 
has appeared before the Council, that, from time to time, 
Mr. Holbrook has, at the request of the parish, relinquished 
a part of his salary. It has appeared also, that, at different 
times, the parish have withheld a portion of his stipulated 
salary, without consulting him. The Council are of opinion, 
8* 



90 



APPENDIX 



that such parts, at least, of his salary, as have been withheld 
without consulting him, and obtaining his relinquishment, 
the parish are bound, in honor and justice, to make up to 
their minister about to leave them. With this recommenda- 
tion, and in view of the whole subject, we hereby advise his 
dismission, because imperious circumstances, over which his 
conduct had little or no control, say that we imist, and we 
further advise, that it take place from the present day. 
i\nd we most cordially and affectionately recommend him 
to the acceptance and esteem of the churches and people, 
wherever he may be called to labor in the vineyard of our 
common Lord." 



DEACONS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 






When appointed. 


Died. 


Age. 


Thomas Migliill, 


Dec. 3, 1639. 


March 14,1654-5. 




Maximilian Jevvett, 


Dec. 3, 1639. 


Oct. 19, 1684. 




Samuel Brocklebank. 


, Jan. 8, 1665-6. 


April 21, 1676. 


46 


William Tenney, 


Feb. 3, 1667-8. 






John Pearson, 


Oct. 24, 16S6. 


Dec. 22, 1693. 




John Trumble, 


Oct. 24, 1686. 


Removed to Connecticut. 


Ezekiel Jewett, 


Oct. 24, 1686. 


Sept. 2, 1723. 


80 


Samuel Palmer, 


Feb. 1,1707-8. 


June 21, 1719. 


75 


Timothy Harris, 


Feb. 1, 1707-8. 


xMarch 24, 1723-4. 


67 


Humphrey Hobson, 


April 21, 1723. 


June 23, 1742. 


58 


Joseph Boynton, 


April 21, 1723. 


Dec. 16, 1730. 


60 


Edward Payson, 


Feb. 12,1739-40. 


March 1,1769. 


75 


Francis Pickard, 


Feb. 12,1739-40. 


Sept. 12, 1778. 


89 


David Bailey, 


Feb. 18, 1761. 


May 12, 1769. 


62 


Moses Clar'k, 


May 15, 1769. 


April 20, 1791. 


64 


Thomas Mighill, 


May 15, 1769. 


Aug. 26, 1807. 


85 


Jeremiah Jewett, 


May 15, 1769. 


Dec. 3, 1809. ' 


86 


George Jewett, 


Nov. 9, 1791. 


May 5, 1829. 


83 


Joshua Jewett, 


April 4, 1807. 






Nathaniel Mighill, 


Dec. 10, 1828. 







The following is the number of persons received into the 
first church, during the ministry of each clergyman, as 
nearly as can be ascertained. 



TO THE ADDRESS. 



gi 



Duri 


ng 


Mr. 


, Rogers's, 


. 


unknown. 






(( 


Phillips's, 


parlially 


known, 93 






(( 


Shepard's, 


. 


unknown. 






u 


Paysoii's, 


. 


364 






(( 


Jewell's, 


. 


. 219 






(( 


Bradford's, 


. 


84 






(( 


Tullar's, 


, 


. 20 






u 


Tucker's 


. 


23 






a 


Holbrook's, 


• 


no 



B. 1. 



The Rev. Mr. Chandler lived upon the same spot where 
Stephen M. Nelson's house now stands, and near where 
the first meeting-house stood. 

July 17, 1733. The parish voted, they would be at the 
expense of raising Mr. Chandler's house and barn, and 
agreed to give Mr. Joseph Nelson £ 12, to make provision 
for the same. The house was burnt, April 4, 1825. 

The second parish (now in Georgetown) was incorpo- 
rated October 1, 1731. The first meeting was held Octo- 
ber 5, when Jonathan Boynton was chosen clerk, Lieuten- 
ant John Spofford, Jeremiah Chaplin, Ensign Benjamin 
Plumer, William Searle, and Aaron Pingree, assessors. 

Jonathan Thurston and Samuel Johnson, collectors. 

October 25. The parish gave Mr. Daniel Rogers a call 
to settle in the ministry. 

1731 - 2, January 4. They gave Mr. James Chandler, 
of Andover, a call ; every man in the meeting voted for it. 

The church, at its organization, (October 4, 1732,) con- 
sisted of, viz. 

James Chandler, William Fisk, Samuel Harriman, 

Richard Boynton, William Searle, William Adams, 



92 APPENDIX 

John Adams, Thomas Burpee, Richard Thurston, 

Thomas Plumer, Daniel Woodberry, Jeremiah Chaplin, 
Jonathan Boynton, Jonathan Thurston, Job Pingree, 
John Brocklebank, David Pearson, Ebenezer Burpee. 

The Rev. Mr. Hale, of Byfield, and the Rev. Mr. Balch, 
of Bradford, assisted at the organization of the church. It 
is said Mr. Balch preached on the occasion. 

** The churches of Byfield, Bradford, Boxford, Andover, 
Cambridge, the first in Rowley, and second in Newbury, 
were invited to assist, by their reverend pastors and dele- 
gates, at the ordination of Mr. Chandler, and were all pres- 
ent, except from Cambridge. The Rev. Mr. Barnard, of 
Andover, began with prayer ; the Rev. Mr. Rogers, of Box- 
ford, preached from John xxi. 15, 16, 17; the Rev. Mr. 
Hale, of Byfield, gave the charge; the Rev. Mr. Phillips, 
of Andover, gave the right hand of fellowship ; the Rev. 
Mr. Jewett, of Rowley, offered the last prayer. The con- 
gregation then sang Psalm cxxxii. and were dismissed, 
the blessing being pronounced upon them by him whose 
ordination they had witnessed." 

The church in Byfield gave to this church one flagon 
and six cups. Ensign Coleman and Gershom Frazier, of 
Byfield, gave each a platter for the communion table. Va- 
rious other individuals belonging to Byfield parish gave di- 
vers sums of money, amounting in all to more than £ 9, 
lawful money ; for all which the church, at their first com- 
munion season (January 7, 1732-3,) passed a vote of 
thanks. 

The first meeting-house in this parish was raised, June 
5, 1729, and stood upon the southwesterly corner of what is 
now David Brocklebank's field. 

1742. The meeting-house was enlarged by an addition 
of thirteen feet, four inches, to its length. 

1744. The parish voted to red the outside of their meet- 
ing-house, and to paint the pulpit. 



TO THE ADDRESS. 93 

The second, or present meeting-house was raised July 
5, 1769. 

The parish made a grant of ^21 13 10, to defray the 
expense of procuring provision for the men engaged in 
raising the house. The provision w^as ordered to be kept, 
and distributed to the workmen, at the school-house, which 
stood near where the town pound now is. 
In 1816, the house was repaired at an expense of $ 717*02 
To procure a bell for the meeting-house, seventy- 
nine individuals subscribed and gave . . 454-57 
Forty-three ladies, to dress the pulpit . . 3960 

Making (besides the salary, &c.) a total of $ 1,211 -19 

In 1822, a stove for warming the meeting-house was 
first placed therein. 

In 1828, the old stove was sold, and a better one (given 
by Paul Spofford, of New York,) put in its place. 

In 1832, the inside of the meeting-house was entirely 
changed, the old square pews taken out, the pulpit placed 
at the easterly end of the house, and new slip pews built, 
according to the modern style. 

In 1836, the meeting-house was enlarged by opening 
the easterly end, and adding thereto fifteen feet in length. 
The additional number of pews gained, paid the expense. 

Church Psalmody. 

1762. The parish voted, that those who had learned 
the art of singing, may have liberty to sit in the front gal- 
lery. (They did not take the liberty.) 

1780. The parish requested Jonathan Chaplin, Jr. and 
Lieutenant Moody Spofford, to assist Deacon Daniel Spof- 
ford in Raising the Tune in the meeting-house. 

1785. The parish desire the singers, both male and 
female, to sit in the gallery, and will allow them to sing 
once, upon each Lord's day, without reading by the deacon. 



94 APPENDIX 

About 1790, the lining out the psalm or hymn, by the 
deacons, was wholly discontinued. 

The Rev. Mr. Chandler left but little property. His 
whole estate was appraised at £ 482. 2. 0. By his will, 
bearing date May 23, 1787, and approved May 5, 1789, 
he gives his negro servant, Sabino., to his wife, ordering, 
that she be not sold to go out of the house, and if she 
live to become burdensome, he ordered his executor (John 
Tenney, Jr.) to assist in supporting her. 



B. 2. 



The Rev. Isaac Braman's children are, 1. Harriet, born 
July 17, 1798, married the Rev. John Boardman of Douglas, 
Massachusetts ; 2. Milton Palmer, born August 6, 1799, 
now pastor of the first church in Dan vers; 3. James Chand- 
ler, born September 29, ISOl, died (on his passage home 
from Calcutta, seventy-five days out,) December 5, 1820; 

4. Adeline, born July 10, 1805, died September 10, 1830; 

5. Isaac Gordon, born March 12, 1813, physician at 
Georgetown. 

At the ordination of Mr.Braman, (June 7, 1797,) the Rev. 
Mr. Clark, of Norton, offered the introductory prayer; the 
Rev. Mr. Palmer, of Needham, preached from Luke xiv. 23 ; 
the Rev. Mr. Cleaveland, of Chebacco, now Essex, made 
the consecrating prayer ; the Rev. Mr. afterwards Dr. Da- 
na, of Ipswich, gave the charge, the Rev. Mr. Bradford, of 
Rowley, gave the right hand of fellowship ; the conclud- 
ing prayer was offered by the Rev. Mr. Adams of West 
Haverhill. The blessing was pronounced by the person who 
had just received ordination. 

As the fruits of the revival of 1831, including some who 
had a hope before, about seventy were added to the church ; 



TO THE ADDRESS. 95 

Various other revivals have been experienced by this people, 
since the settlement of their present pastor. 

DEACONS IN THE SECOND CHURCH. 
Chosen 

1 r-00 j Dea. William Fisk, died Jan. 22, 1765, aged 77' 



1781 





William Searle, 


May 


18, 


1778, 




88. 




Stephen Mighill, " 


July 


20, 


1783, 




75. 




Richard Thurston, " 


July 


12, 


1782, 




72. 




Abner Spofford, " 


Sept. 


12, 


1777, 




74. 




Daniel Spofford, " 


April 26, 


1803, 




82. 




Jeremiah Searle, " 


Oct. 


29, 


1799, 




76. 




Thomas Merrill, " 


Dec. 


26, 


1820, 




81. 




Moody Spofford, " 


<( 


23, 


1828, 




84. 




Thomas Merrill, Jr. 














Stephen Searle, 
John Platts, 














Asa Nelson, 
Asa Wilson, 














Sylvanus Merrill. 













C. 1. 

The inhabitants of Newbury and Rovvley living at the 
Falls, so called, having, in 1702, voluntarily erected them- 
selves a meeting-house, proceeded to take measures for hav- 
ing the gospel preached among them ; their first step was to 
apply to the towns to which they respectively belonged, to 
be exempted from paying minister rates to said towns. On 
the 16th of March, 1702-3, the town of Rowley voted, 
" That those inhabitants of Rowley, living on the northwest 
side of Rye plain bridge, and northwest side of Long-hill, 
and have joined with the people of Newbury in building a 
new meeting-house, shall be abated their minister rate in 
Rowley, if they do ordain an orthodox minister to teach in 



96 APPENDIX 

said meeting-house. The names of those abated are Sam- 
uel Brocklebank, Jonathan Wheeler, Richard Boynton, 
Benjamin Plumer, Henry Poor, John PJumer, Duncan Stew- 
art, Ebenezer Stewart, Josiah Wood, John Lull, Jonathan 
Look, John Brown, Nathaniel Brown, Ebenezer Brown, 
James Chute, Lionell Chute, Andrew Stickney, and James 
Tenney. About this time, Mr. Moses Hale was invited to 
become their teacher. 

" October 13, 1706, Samuel Brocklebank, Jonathan 
Wheeler, Benjamin Plumer, Nathan Wheeler, John Brown, 
Andrew Stickney, these with their wives, also Mary Chute, 
and Elizabeth Look, were dismissed from the Rowley 
church, in order to their imbodying in church order by 
themselves at Rowlbery alias Byfield. November 10, Col- 
lin Frazer and his wife were dismissed on the same ac- 
count. " 

November 17. The parish was incorporated by the name 
of '' The Falls." Mr. Moses Hale was ordained the same 
day, and the church was probably organized at the same 
time. Jonathan Look, and probably others of Rowley, 
were soon after received to this new church ; who, or what 
number of persons belonging to Newbury, were at first im- 
bodied into this church, has not been ascertained. 

The town of Rowley, at a meeting holden on the 13th of 
May, 1707, established aline between those who belonged to 
the new meeting-house (now Byfield), and those who belong- 
ed to the old meeting-house, for paying minister rates. Said 
line began *' at the great rock in Newbury line, at the head of 
the great swamp lots, and so along by the northwest end of 
those lots, to Thomas Jewett's land, and so on between said 
Jewett's land and Rye plain land, to the bridge called Rye 
plain bridge, [near the alms-house,] and so [on] the way 
that runs to Long-hill, being at the path this side of Fran- 
cis Nelson's house, and so to Long-hill, and so along to the 
road at the elders plain, [by Deacon Thomas Merrill's,] that 



TO THE ADDRESS. 97 

goeth to Samuel Brocklebank's farm, [Major Paul Nelson's in 
1839,] and following on [by the road] to the farm laid out as 
the right of Thomas Barker, [on south side of Pentucket 
pond,] and so to Bradford line, [at the great rock by N. 
Holmes's house,] and along as Bradford line runs to New- 
bury line. " 

The first entry made in the Byfield Parish Records, is as 
follows. " October 29, 1706. At a meeting of the inhabi- 
tants of ' The Falls,' and the neighbourhood, united together 
there, for the setting up and maintaining the ministry of the 
gospel there. It was then confirmed by a legal unanimous 
vote upon the affirmative, that we do and shall freely unite 
as one people, for the setting up and constantly maintaining 
the ministry of the gospel among us in this place, being or- 
derly dismissed from both towns and churches to which we 
did belong, namely, Newbury and Rowley. " 

In 1710, the name of the parish was changed to that of 
Byfield. 

1710-11, March 13. John SpofTord, (who lived up- 
on the town's farm on the three thousand acres, so called,) 
was, by vote of the town of Rowley, allowed to pay his 
minister rate to Mr. Hale at Byfield. 

The Rev. Moses Hale, born July 10, 1678, was the son 
of John Hale, and grandson of Thomas Hale, one of the first 
settlers of Newbury. He died January 16, 1743-4. His 
first wife died January 15, 1703-4. His second wife died 
July 17, 1757. He had by his second wife, two sons and 
four daughters ; they all survived their parents. The Rev. 
Mr. Hale had five brothers older than himself, viz. John, 
born 1661; Samuel, born 1664; Tliomas, born 1668; Jo- 
seph, born 1674 ; Benjamin. The parish paid the expense 
of his funeral, and the 23d day of February was observed 
as a day of humiliation and prayer to God for direction in 
seeking a gospel minister to settle over them. The minis- 



98 APPENDIX 

ters of Newbury and Rowley were invited to lead in the 
services of the day. 

April 13, 1744. The church and parish gave Mr. Moses 
Parsons a call to settle in the ministry with them, which he 
accepted, and was ordained soon after. 

DEACONS IN THE BYFIELD CHURCH. 
In the absence of church records, their deacons from 
1706 to 1744, a period of thirty-eight years, cannot be 
given. 

Appointed. 
Samuel Moody, June 20, 1744, 
James Chute, June 20, 1744, 

Joseph Searle, Oct. 4, 1763. 

Benjamin Colman, Oct. 4, 1763, 
Joseph Poor, Dec. 22, 1790, 

Joseph Hale, Dec. 22, 1790, 

James Chute, March 7, 1795, 

Benjamin Colman, April 28, 1819, 
Putnam Perley, June, 1824, 
Daniel Hale, June, 1827, 

Daniel Noyes, 1824, 



Died. 


Age. 


May 25, 1767, 


78 


Jan. 31, 1769, 


83 


Jan. 1797, 


76 


Feb. 28, 1795, 


58 


Dec. 25, 1818, 


77 


April 28, 1825, 


74 


now in office. 




June 30, 1835, 


41 


now in office. 




now in office. 





D. 1. 

The Rev. George Lesslie and Hephzibah Burpee, were 
married October 26, 1756. Their children were, 1. George, 
born January 12, 1758 ; 2. David, born December 17, 
1758; 3. James, born March 10, 1761 ; 4. Jonathan, born 
June 5, 1763, died November 5, 1771 ; 5. William, born 
August 4, 1766; 6. Hephzibah, born March 19, 1770; 7. 
Joseph, born February 28, 1774 ; 8. Mehitable, born Septem- 
ber 5, 1778. 

A grandson of the Rev. Mr. Lesslie is employed as a 
Missionary by the Methodist Missionary board, and is now 
with his family stationed in the Oregon Territory. 



TO THE ADDRESS. 99 

Tliose whose names follow, at first constituted the church 
in Linebrook, viz. George Lesslie, Joseph Metcalf, James 
Davis, George Hibbert, Thomas Potter, Jonathan Burpee, 
John Abbot, Ebenezer Tenney, David Perley, Mark Fisk, 
John Chaplin, Jr., Amos Jewett, Jeremiah Smith, Nehemi- 
ah Abbot, Ezekiel Potter, and one whose name cannot be 
ascertained. Being organized as a church November 30, 
1749, December 13, they met and made choice of John Ab- 
bot and Jonathan Burpee, as deacons. At this meeting the 
church voted to have the sacrament of the Lord's Supper 
administered once in two months, and that there be a pre- 
paratory lecture on the Thursday next before the sacrament. 

December 19. The church made choice of James Da- 
vis and George Hibbert to the office of ruling elders, but 
fhey were not ordained. 

1759, December 18. Deacon John Abbot died, — Susan- 
nah, his wife, died December 14, four days before her hus- 
band. 

1757, February 21. Amos Jewett and Jeremiah Burpee 
were chosen to the office of ruling elders, and were or- 
dained April 19, 1758. A church in Gloucester was invited 
to assist in the ordination. 

1760, May 22. Mark How was chosen deacon ; he died 
February 17, 1770. 

1765, October 31. Moses Chaplin was chosen deacon ; 
he died October 18, 1811. 

1778, July 2. Mr. Lesslie attends Ezra Ross, (one of his 
parishioners,) to the gallows, who was executed at Worces- 
ter, with William Brooks, James Buchannan, and Bathshe- 
ba Spooner, for the murder of Josliua Spooner, of Brook- 
field, (Bathsheba was wife of the murdered man). The day 
was kept as a season of fasting and prayer in this parish, on 
account of the untimely end of said Ezra Ross. 

1765, January 31. The Rev. Mr. Lesslie preached at the 
ordination of Mr. Samuel Perley, at Northampton, New 
Hampshire, which sermon was printed. 



100 APPENDIX 

Mr. Lesslie had a settlement of .£ 700, old tenor, equal to 
$311.08, and =£100, lawful money, and twelve cords of 
wood, salary. 

He was induced to ask a dismission, because the parish 
declined making up the loss he sustained by the depreciation 
of paper money. He was dismissed by advice of council, 
convened November 4, 17C9. He lived near the meeting- 
house in Rowley. 



D. 2. 



The Rev. Gilbert Tennent Williams was born October 8, 
1761, studied divinity under the Rev. Mr. Murray, of New- 
buryport, commenced preaching in Linebrook, December, 
1788, was ordained there August 5th, 1789. He married 
Martha Morrison, of Windham, New Hampshire ; their chil- 
dren were four sons and one daughter, viz. 1. Simon Ten- 
nent, baptized Jane 20, 1790; 2. Martha, baptized Septem- 
ber, 1790; 3. Samuel Morrison, baptized December 28, 
1794; 4. John Adams, baptized November 28, 1799; 5. 
Constant Floyd, baptized December 12, 1802. 

Mr. Williams was settled on a salary of £ 100, lawful 
money. 

April 19, 1813. The church vote to dismiss him from his 
pastoral and brotherly relation, and recommend him, &c. 

His people being few, and considering themselves unable 
to support him, was the occasion of his asking a dismission. 
He preached (May 6, 1813,) a farewell sermon, which was 
printed. 

He was installed at Newbury, (now West Newbury,) June 
1, 1814, when he continued to labor till having a shock of 
the palsy, which caused him to leave that people in Septem- 
ber, 1821. He died at Framingham, September 24, 1824^ 
aged sixty-three years. 



TO THE ADDRESS. 101 

The church at Linebrook, at the time of Mr. Williams's 
ordination, consisted of twenty-four members, nine males 
and fifteen females. 

Deacon Moses Chaplin was then in office. 

Mr. Williams lived in the same house formerly owned and 
occupied by Mr. Lesslie. 

The church now (1840) consists of twenty-eight males 
and thirty-two females. 



E. 1 



Those who first withdrew from the second church, in or 
about the year 1754, with others who joined them, worship- 
ped by themselves as they could obtain preachers to their 
liking ; their meetings were held for several years in a school- 
house which stood near the mills, now owned by Major Paul 
Dole. When they purchased the old meeting-house of the 
second parish in Rowley, (in 1769,) it was taken down and 
rebuilt at the four corners near the house of the present 
Jonathan Hale, in Bradford, where public worship was sup- 
ported a part of each year, for several successive years. 
They had no settled minister. Mr. Eliphaz Chapman, a con- 
gregationalist, who afterwards settled in Bethel, Maine, 
preached for them more than any other. This society was 
composed of persons principally belonging to the towns of 
Rowley, Bradford, and Newbury; they styled themselves, 
"separatists." 

On the 4th of May, 1781, by mutual agreement, a num- 
ber of persons in Rowley, and adjacent towns, who had been 
baptized upon profession of faith, but who had not joined 
any Baptist church, met and after prayers to the head of 
the church for direction, unanimously agreed to become a 
branch of the church at Haverhill, of the Baptist order, with 



102 APPENDIX 

certain privileges as specified in the following address to 
said church. 

1st. We should choose to have the liberty of having church 
officers among us, chosen by ourselves. 

2d. We desire the privilege of having special ordinances 
administered among us. 

3d. We should think it proper to examine persons for 
baptism, and join them as members of the branch of the 
church. 

4th. We should desire to have the privilege of church 
meetings among ourselves, and to discipline the members of 
the branch, without troubling the whole church with any 
of our difficulties, unless they should be of such a nature as 
we could not settle among ourselves ; then to lay such before 
the whole church, for their assistance. 

5th. We should not choose to be under obligation to at- 
tend your church meetings. 

6th. We are, and shall be willing to assist in supporting 
your pastor, so long as we continue a branch of your church, 
and he shall continue his labors among us, as in months 
past. 

7th. As it is not improbable, according to present ap- 
pearances, but in process of time, we may think it ex- 
pedient to be a distinct church, and if that should be the 
case, we shall expect you to give us a brotherly dismission 
from you when the cause of the Redeemer may be promoted 
thereby. 

8th. We shall expect to employ such teacher or teachers 
in Mr. Smith's absence, as we think best calculated to 
advance the Redeemer's kingdom among us. 

The foregoing address was signed by 

John Smith, John Smith Jr. 

Nathaniel Perley, Moses Wood, 

Timothy Jackman, 3d. William Jewett, 

John S. Blasdel and Moses Hazen. 



TO TFIE ADDRESS. 103 

Their petition was granted ; and they were received into 
said church, agreeably to their request. 

This branch was then organized by choosing Nathaniel 
Perley, clerk, and Timothy Jackman 3d, deacon. Elder 
Samuel Harriman, who had previously become a member of 
the Haverhill Baptist church, (at its organization, May 9, 
1765,) was appointed elder of this branch. He was probably 
the first person belonging to Rowley, who united with any 
Baptist church. 

They agreed to have the Lord's Supper administered the 
first Lord's day in July, October, January, and April, in 
each year, and to have a preparatory service on the Friday 
next preceding each communion season. Soon after this, 
thirteen females were added to their branch. 

In 178*2, their meeting-house was again taken down, and 
rebuilt in Rowley, near the aforesaid mills. 

August 19, 1785. The branch petitioned the mother church 
to be set off from them, and established as a distinct church, 
which was consented to. They were set off and became a 
separate and distinct church. The Rev. Hezekiah Smith 
preached on the occasion. The church at this time consisted 
of twenty-eight members. 

November 25. Eight persons more were dismissed from 
the Haverhill church to this. 

On the 17th of May, 1785, the branch church, and the 
society worshipping with them, by a unanimous vote of 
each, gave Elder William Evving an invitation to become 
their pastor, with a salary of £ 60, lawful money, per annum. 
May 21st, he gave an affirmative answer to the call. May 
28th, having been dismissed from the church at Shutesbury, 
he was received to this. After preaching to this society be- 
tween three and four years, some difficulty arising between 
him and another member of the church, he took a dismission 
from them in March, 1789. On the 21st of May, Elder 



104 APPENDIX 

Abijah Grossman, of Chelmsford, was invited to become 
tlieir pastor. July 3d, he was with his wife received to this 
church, November 12, 1793, something more than three 
years from his settlement, he was dismissed. 

April, 29, 1797. The church and society gave Elder Shu- 
bael Lovell a call to settle. June 4, he accepted the call, and 
continued his labors in the pastoral office till May 10, 1810, 
when he was dismissed from this church. 

On the 28th of June, Elder Josiah Converse was invited 
to become their pastor ; who accepted, and continued his 
labors with them till 1818. 

The next year (1819) Elder Simeon Chamberlin became 
their pastor, and continued till July 27th, 1826, when he 
was dismissed. 

In August, Elder Ezra Wilmarth became their pastor. 
June 24, 1834, (difficulties having arisen,) a mutual council 
was convened for advice, who recommended a dissolution 
of the connection between the pastor and people. Mr. Wil- 
marth left them after preaching two Sabbaths. 

February 4, 1836. The Rev. John Burden was ordained, 
and is now in office.* The ordination sermon was by the 
Rev. John Holroyd, of Danvers. 

June 21, 1811. This society was incorporated by the 
name of the "First Baptist Religious Society in Rowley." 

The donors of the society's parsonage farm, in their deed, 
say, they give it for the support of *.' a Calvinistic Baptist 
gospel minister." 



F. 1. 

The Baptist church, in what is now Rowley, at its or- 
ganization, (November 17, 1830,) consisted of the follow- 

* Dismissed July, 1840. 



TO THE ADDRESS. 105 

ing persons, viz. John While, Samuel Scott, Mark F. 
Gate, Ricliard Herbert, Joshua Hale, Sarah Todd, Sarah 
Saunders, Lucy Saunders, Elizabeth C. Boynton, Eliza J. 
Gate, Sarah C. Moody, and Hannah J. Hale. All distniss- 
ed from the Baptist church in what is now Georgetown, ex- 
cept Richard Herbert, who was from a church in Rumney, 
New Hampshire. 

The Rev. Galeb Glark, who preached for this society, 
from September, 1831, to May, 183'2, died at Rumney 
aforesaid, since the commencement of the present year, 
(1840). 

The Rev. Jeremiah Ghaplin, D. D., who preached for 
them from October, 1833, to April, 1836, was born at Row- 
ley, January 2d, 1776. He was the son of Asa, grandson 
of Jeremiah, great-grandson of Joseph, and great-great- 
grandson of Hugh Ghaplin, one of the first settlers. He 
graduated at Brown University, 1799, preached for the Bap- 
tist society in Danvers in 1802 and 1803. In 1804 preached 
in the city of New York, returned to Danvers in April, 
1805, where he continued until June 14th, 1818, when he 
left this town and entered upon the duties of the Presidency 
of Waterville Goliege, Maine, in which office he remained 
till the summer of 1833, when he resigned, and soon after 
commenced preaching at Rowley. On leaving Rowley, he 
went to Gonnecticut, thence to Hamilton, Madison Gounty, 
New York. 



G. 1. 

Mr. Zachariah Symms probably commenced preaching 
to the Merrimack people in 1068, and continued his la- 
bors among them about fourteen years previous to his ordi- 
nation, (in 1682). For his first year's labor he received 
^40. 



106 APPENDIX 

The sum of £ 50 was granted for his services in 1669, 
one half to be paid in wheat, pork, butter, and cheese, the 
other half in corn and cattle. 

At a meeting held the early part of this year, the town 
voted, to pay the expense of bringing Mr. Symms's goods to 
town, and to give him forty acres of land, (purchased of 
Benjamin Kimball,) at Indian Hill. 

October 31st, 1682. A council was convened at Brad- 
ford, for the purpose of advising the people of that town on 
the subject of the settlement of the ministry among them, 
who came to the following result, viz. 

" The question being proposed to us, whose names are 
underwitten, whether minister and people at Bradford 
should promote without delay a coalition of themselves into 
a church society ? We answer in the affirmative, provided 
that the people do their uttermost in taking effectual care, 
that he, that preaches the gospel among them, live on the 
gospel, according to 1 Cor. ix. 14, that so he may provide 
for his own household, as 1 Timothy, v. 8, provided also 
their present teacher accept of office-work among them, so 
long as he finds he can comfortably discharge his duty, in 
all the relations he stands to you his people, and in his fam- 
ily, and that when he finds he cannot discharge his said 
duties respectively, the people shall freely release him of his 
engagement to them, after due council taken in the case; 
for hereby is a door opened for the teacher to work the 
whole work of God, as an officer of Christ in that place, 
as others in office do in their places, according to the 1 Cor. 
xvi. 10, ' for he worketh the work of God as I also do' ; here- 
by also is a better opportunity both for the teacher, and 
those that are taught, to walk in all the commandments 
and ordinances of God blameless, Luke i. 6, that they 
may be found walking in the truth, as we have received 
commandment from the father, 2 John iv." 

Subscribed by John Higginson (of Salem) ; John Rich- 



TO THE ADDRESS. 



107 



ardson (of Newbury) ; William Hubbard (of Ipswich) ; John 
Hale (of Beverly) ; John Brock (of Reading) ; Edward 
Payson (of Rowley); Samuel Phillips (of Rowley). 

On the 28th of November, the inhabitants of the town 
were assembled, and by a unanimous vote assented to the 
foregoing result and advice of council. 
Mr. Symms assented to the same. 

December 27th. A church was organized by the signa- 
tures of eighteen males to a covenant, whose names were, 
Zachariah Symms, David Heseltine, Abraham Heseltine, 
Samuel Stickney, Richard Hall, John Boynton, 

John Tenney, Francis West, John Watson, 

John Simmons, Samuel Heseltine, Robert Heseltine, 

William Hutchens, John Hardy, B. Kimball, 

Joseph Palmer, Joseph Bailey, Robert Savory. 

Mr. Symms was ordained the same day, probably by the 
same council who met in October to advise. 

On the 7 day 11 mo., or January 7, 1682-3, being the 
second Sabbath after the organization of the church, and 
probably the first communion season, seventeen females 
were received into the church, viz. 
*' Patience, wife of Shubael Walker, 
Mary, " " Brother Thomas West, 

Hannah, " " Brother John Boynton, 
Mercie, " " Brother Benjamin Kimball, 
Hannah, " " Richard Barker, 
Mary, " '' Nathan Webster, 

Elizabeth, '* " Brother Robert Hesel'ine, 
Elizabeth, " " Brother Abraham Heseltine, 
Mary, " " Brother David Heseltine, 

Martha, " " Brother Richard Hall, 
Deborah, *' *' Brother Samuel Heseltine, 
Mary,* widow " Thomas Kimball, 



* Was taken captive by the Indians, May 3cl, 177G, returned home 
same year. 



108 APPENDIX 

Mary, wife of Brother John Hardy, 
Prudence, '' " Brother Samuel Stickney, 
Sarah, ** ^' Brother Joseph Palmer, 

Sarah, " " Brother William Hutchens, 

Abigail, " " Brother Joseph Bailey," 
Some of the members of this new church were from the 
church at Rowley, but mostly from the Haverhill church. 

At a meeting of the town of Bradford, held " January 
2d, 1682-3, David Heseltine, Richard Hall, and Shubael 
Walker, were appointed a committee to view all town agree- 
ments and engagements with the Rev. Zachariah Symms, 
and to present them to the town at the next town meeting, 
in order to have them settled, (and recorded,) in the town 
book." 

The aforenamed committee prepared the following, em- 
bracing the town's agreement with Mr. Symms for his sup- 
port, &/C., viz. 

*' We, the inhabitants of Bradford, met together at a le- 
gal town meeting, 13th of March, 1682-3, in thankful- 
ness to God for his great mercy in setting up his sanctuary 
among us, do hereby engage ourselves jointly and singly, 
and do engage our children after us, as far as we may, by 
our parental authority, to endeavour by our and their utmost 
power, to uphold the faithful ministry of the gospel of Je- 
sus Christ, in this town of Bradford, so long as we and they 
shall live ; and for the encouragement of the same, to con- 
tribute a liberal and honorable maintenance towards it, as 
the rule of the gospel doth require, to the utmost of our and 
their ability, which God shall be pleased to bless us and 
them with from time to time. And for the encouragement 
of our present minister, we do covenant and promise to 
give and allow him, so long as he shall continue with us as 
our minister, the full sum of sixty pounds per annum, if God 
be pleased to preserve us in our present capacity, and for to 
be paid in our present state annually, as follows, the first 



TO THE ADDRESS. 109 

half in wheat, and pork, butter, and cheese, allowing to this 
half, one pound of butter for every milch cow, and one 
clieese for a family; the otlier half to be in malt, indian, 
or rye, except what he willingly accepts in other pay; the first 
payment to be made the second Thursday of October, the 
other payment to be made the third Thursday in March ; 
and if any unforeseen providence shall hinder, then to take 
the next convenient day the week following. 

'* We further grant liberty for him, to improve for his best 
advantage, what land we shall accomplish or obtain for our 
ministry. We grant him also, liberty to feed his herd of 
cattle on our lands during his abode witli us, which shall 
have the same liberty as our own cattle have. We engage 
to procure for him, at our own charge, besides the annual 
stipend, sufficient firewood every year in good cord wood, 
he allowing six pence per cord, to bring it seasonably and 
cord it up in his yard. We engage also, to furnish him 
yearly with ten sufficient loads of good hay, if he need them, 
at price current among us, and to bring it in the summer 
time, and also to supply him with sufficient fencing, and 
good stuff which he may hereafter need, at a reasonable lay. 
We engage, that there be convenient highways provided 
and legally staled, to the several parcels of land, which we 
have given him ; as to the five acres of meadow, and the 
forty acres of upland, we bought of Benjamin Kimball. 
We do also engage, that two men shall be chosen from year 
to year, for the comfortable carrying on of his affairs, and 
that these two men shall have power to require any man 
at two days' warning, according to his proportion, to help 
carry on his necessary husbandry work. We also engage, 
that these agreements, together with any legal town acts, 
confirming the annual stipend, and other concerns of our 
present minister, be duly and truly, in manner and kind 
as above specified without trouble to himself. 

" This was voted and granted to be entered in the town'& 

10 



no 



APPENDIX 



book, at a legal town meeting the 13. 1 mo. 1682-3. 
[13 March, 1682-3.] 

"As Attests, Shubal Walker, Recorder.'' 



G. 2. 



The East Precinct in Bradford, was incorporated June 
17, 1726. The church was organized June 7, 1727, and 
consisted of the following named persons, viz. 



William Balch, 
Samuel Tenney, 
Richard Bailey, 
William Savory, 
Samuel Hale, 
John Hutchens, 
Daniel Hardy, 
Ezra Rolf, 
Thomas Savory, 
James Bailey, 
Caleb Hopkinson 
Abraham Parker, 
Francis Jewett, 
Joseph Worster, 
William Hardy, 
John Pemberton, 
Jacob Hardy, 
Joseph Hardy, 
Richard Hardy, 
Thomas Bailey, 
Ebenezer Burbank, 
Samuel Palmer, 
Edward Wood, 
Robert Savory, 



Samuel Jewett, 
William Hardy, Jr. 
Francis Walker, 
Ebenezer Kimball, 
Moses Worster, 
Thomas Stickney, 
Benjamin Hardy, 
Thomas Hardy, 
Isaac Hardy, 
Jacob Hardy, Jr. 
Thomas Hardy, Jr. 
Jr. Samuel Hale, Jr. 

Joseph Hardy, Jr. 
James Hardy, 
Daniel Tenney, 
Edward Hardy, 
Timothy Hardy, 
Jonathan Hale, 
Jonathan Tenney, 
Joseph Bailey, 
Joshua Richardson, 
Thomas Hardy, 3rd. 
Samuel Hardy, 
Jonas Platts. 



July 28. The following named females having been dis- 



TO THE ADDRESS. 



Ill 



missed from the first church 
the second, or East, viz. 
Widow Bailey, 
Widow Hopkinson, 
Hannah Tenney, 
Hannah Bailey, 
Wife of Thomas Hardy, 
Martha Hopkinson, 
Hannah Savory, 
Sarah Worster, 
Martha Hardy, 
Eunice Bailey, 
Elizabeth Hutchins, 
Wife of Joseph Hardy, 
Wife of James Hardy, 
Dorothy Tenney, 
Elizabeth Worster, 
Abigail Bailey, 
Wife of Thomas Hardy 
Mary Wood, 
W^idow Hardy, 
Martha Pemberton, 
Anna Platts, 
Hannah Hardy, 
Abigail Worster, 
Bethiah Hutchens, 
Elizabeth Parker, 
Joanna Bailey, 
Ruth Jewctt, 



in Bradford, were admitted to 

Eunice Foster, 

Rebecca Savory, 

Mercie Worster, 

Sarah Hardy, 
Sen. Martha Leason, 

Deborah Hardy, 

Hannah Kimball, 

Mary Stickney, 

Elizabeth Palmer, 

Sarah Burbank, 

Wife of Richard Hardy, 

Wife of John Tenney, 

Deborah Wallingford, 

Hannah Hardy, 

Hannah Richardson, 

Hannah Smith, 
, Jr. Mary Hardy, 

Sarah Tenney, 

Esther Hardy, 

Sarah Jewett, 

Rebecca Hardy, 

Mehitable Hardy, 

Jane Harriman, 

Wife of Samuel Hardy, 

Anna Jewett, 

Mary Bailey. 



H. 1. 



At what time that part of Rowley, now called Boxford, 
began to be settled is not known. It was at first called 
Rowley Village ; and the first settlers, (it is believed,) were 
mostly from Ipswich. For many years they attended pub- 



112 APPENDIX 

lie worship at Topsfield. 1667, May 20. The town of 
Rowley voted, that the village people may pay one half their 
minister rate where they ordinarily hear, [Topsfield,] and 
the other half to the town minister of Rowley, till they have 
a minister of their own. 

1669, July 2. The town of Rowley ordered, that the 
inhabitants of the village shall pay to all taxes, as the people 
in town do, and the money paid by them shall be applied, 
first, to defraying the necessary charges of said village, and 
the residue to the improvement of the minister's farm, so 
called, in said village. The income of said farm shall be- 
long to an orthodox minister, when settled in the village ; 
till that time it shall belong to the minister in town. 

1684. The whole town rate was ^43 12 11 

Of which the village paid 8 7 7 

Leaving to the old part of the town c£ 35 5 4 

The church in Topsfield was gathered in 1663. They 
had preaching in that place, (then called New Meadows,) 
as early as 1641. Boxford was incorporated August 12, 
1685. 

September 25, 1702. The church at Topsfield were 
convened to consider the application of sundry persons be- 
longing to Boxford, who had asked a dismission from that 
church, preparatory to their being organized into a church 
in their own town. Upon this application, the church voted, 
to dismiss the Boxford people when ihey shall have paid 
up all arrears. 

October 4, 1702. John Peabody, John Perley, Thomas 
Hazen, Josiah Hale, Jonathan Bixby, Thomas Redington, 
Abraham Redington, John Stiles, Samuel Foster, Daniel 
Wood, Luke Hovey, all of Boxford, were dismissed, upon 
their own desire, to be gathered into a church at home. 

Under date of December 1, 1702, is the following entry 
in the church records of Topsfield. " At a lawful church 
meeting, called to give some answer to sundry persons that had 
desired a dismission, viz. Samuel Symons, Zacheus Curtis, 



TO THE ADDRESS. II3 

Ephraini Curtis, and Joseph Peabody, Jr. The church did 
then refuse to grant it, by reason of the difference between 
the two towns as touching their limits ; twenty-six brethren 
present, only three of which declared for their dismission, 
viz. Mr. Thomas Baker, L* *** Perkins, and William 
Smith. At the same time I [the minister of Topsfield] did 
declare myself for it also." 

At what time these obtained their dismission has not 
been ascertained. 

" January 17, 1702-3. Then was dismissed, Mary Wat- 
son, Mary B , Sarah Wood, Widow Peabody, Eliza- 
beth Stilman, Mary Hale, Deliverance Stiles, Widow Bix- 
by, Sarah Bixby the wife of Jonathan Bixby, and Elizabeth 
Boswell." 

Of the above persons the first church in Boxford was 
undoubtedly composed. The first pages of their church 
record having been lost, the precise time of their organiza- 
tion cannot be given. It was probably at, or a short time 
prior to, the ordination of their first minister. 

Thomas Symms, the first minister of Boxford, was son 
of the Rev. Zachariah Symms, of Bradford ; born at Brad- 
ford, February 1, 1677 - 8 ; graduated at Harvard, 1698 ; 
ordained at Boxford, December 30, 1702; dismissed in 
April, 1708. 

Elizur Holyoke, the third minister, after preaching little 
more than thirty-four years, had (February, 1793,) a para- 
lytic shock, which unfitted him for preaching the remainder 
of his life. He died, March 31, 1806, aged seventy-five. 

There were admitted to the first church in Boxford, 
during Mr. Symms's ministry, of 6 years, 72 persons. 



Mr. Rogers's 


(( 


34 '' 


202 


Mr. Holyoke's 


(( 


47 '' 


64 


Mr. Briggs's 


(( 


25 " 


34 


Mr. Whitney's 


(( 


2|- " 


1 


Mr. Coggins's 


(( 


^i '' 


24 


10* 









114 



APPENDIX. 



H. 2. 



On the day of Mr. Cushing's ordination, (December 9, 
1736,) the following named persons signed a covenant, and 
were organized into a church state, viz. 

Cornelius Brown, Joseph Hovey, Stephen Runnells, 
Caleb Brown, Luke Hovey, Jonathan Sherwin, 

Jonathan Cole, Luke Hovey, Jr. Ebenezer Sherwin, 
John Crooke, John Hovey, James Scales, 

Nathan Earns, John Kimball, Daniel Wood, 

Zebadiah Foster, Nathan Kimball, John Worster. 
The church being embodied, the following named per- 
sons were admitted in virtue of dismission from other 
churches, viz. 

Judith Cole, Mary Sherwin, 

Mehiiable Chadwick, Ilephzibah Sherwin, 



Mary Eams, 
Sarah Eams, 
Margaret Foster, 
Dorcas Hovey, 
Elizabeth Kimbal 
Sarah Kimball, 
Sarah Porter, 



Sarah Spofford, 
Mary Scales, 
Elizabeth Tyler, 
Elizabeth Tyler, Jr. 
Ruth Tyler, 
Sarah Wood, 
Mary Worster. 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY, 

ANCIENTI.Y INCLUDING 

BRADFORD, BOXFORD, AND GEORGETOWN, 
FROM THE YEAR 1639 TO THE PRESENT TIME. 

By THOMAS GAGE. 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



A FEW years previous to the landing of our fore- 
fathers at Plymouth (in 1620), that section of the 
country was nearly depopulated by a great pestilence 
among the Indians. Johnson, in his " Path- way to 
erect a Plantation," says, " It seems God hath provided 
this country for our nation, destroying the natives by 
the plague, it not touching one Englishman, though many 
traded and were conversant amongst them. They had 
three plagues in three years, successively, near two 
hundred miles along the sea-coast, that in some places 
there scarce remained five of a hundred." The first 
settlers of Plymouth embarked at Plymouth, in England, 
September 6, 1620, and landed upon Forefather's Rock, 
so called, at Plymouth, New England, on the 22d day 
of December in the same year. 

But few years elapsed after the planting of Plymouth 
colony, before the planting of the Massachusetts colony 
was projected by several friends, met together in Lin- 
colnshire, England, in 1627, who fell into discourse 
about New England, and the planting of the gospel there ; 
and, after some deliberation, they addressed letters to 
some in London and other places, where it was also 
deliberately thought upon, and at length, with often ne- 



lis HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

gotiation, so ripened, that, in the year 1628, they pro- 
cured a patent from King Charles the First for their 
planting between the Massachusetts Bay * and Charles 
River on the south, and the river of Merrimack on the 
north, and three miles on either side of those rivers and 
bay ; as also for the governing of those who did or 
should inhabit within that compass ; and the same year 
Mr. John Endecott and others are sent over, and begin 
a settlement at Salem. The next year, 1629, the com- 
pany sent divers ships over, with about three hundred 
people, and some cows, goats, and horses, many of 
which arrived safely. 

The next year, 1630, the company sent over sixteen 
ships. One left England in February ; one in March ; 
four in April ; eight in May ; one in June ; one in Au- 
gust ; and one other sent by a private merchant. These 
all arrived safe in New England, (at Salem.) 

On the arrival of Thomas Dudley f and others, in 
June and July, 1630, the colony at Salem was found 
to be in a sad condition. Above eighty had died the 
preceding winter ; and many of those alive were weak 
and sick ; having food hardly sufficient to feed them a 
fortnight, insomuch, that the remainder of one hundred 
and eighty servants the company two years before sent 
over, coming for food to sustain them, the company 
being wholly unable to feed them, by reason, that the 
provisions shipped for them were taken out of the ship 
they were put in ; and they, who were trusted to ship 



* Boston Harbour was called Massachusetts Bay. 

t This sketch of the first settlements of Massachusetts Colony is 
taken principally from a letter of Thomas Dudley to Lady Bridget, 
Countess of Lincoln, dated March 28, 1631. 



PLYMOUTH AND MASSACHUSETTS SETTLED. HQ 

them in another, failed of doing so, and left them beliind ; 
whereupon the company, to their great loss, were under 
the necessity of giving them all liberty, who had cost 
about £ 16, or £ 20, a person, to furnish and bring over. 

Notwithstanding all the difficulties and embarrassments 
under which these people labored, they soon began to 
consult about a place or places for their setting down. 
They on the whole concluded to plant themselves dis- 
persedly, some at Charlestown, some at Boston, some 
at " Meadford," Watertown, Roxbury, Saugus (now 
Lynn), and others at Dorchester. After having fixed 
upon their places of location and settlement, such as were 
able to labor fell to building, wherein many were inter- 
rupted with sickness, and many died weekly, yea, almost 
daily, amongst whom were Mrs. Pinchon, Mrs. Codding- 
ton, Mrs. Phillips (wife of the Rev. George Phillips), 
Mrs. Alcock, sister of Mr. Hooker. These died before 
September, 1630. About the beginning of September 
died Mr. Gager, a skilful chirurgeon, and a deacon of 
the church. And Mr. Higginson, one of the ministers 
of Salem, died March 15, 1630-1. 

On the 30th of September died Mr. Johnson, one of 
the five undertakers for the joint stock of the company, 
(the lady Arabella, his wife, having died a month before.) 
This gentleman was a prime man, having the best estate 
of any. Within a month after, died Mr. Rossiter, one 
of the assistants. So that now there were left, of the five 
undertakers, but the governor (Winthrop), Sir Richard 
Saltonstall, and Thomas Dudley, (Mr. Revil having re- 
turned to England.) The natural causes of so many 
deaths seem to be, the want of warm lodging and good 
diet, to which they had been habituated at home, and 
the sudden increase of heat they endure, who are landed 



120 PI! STORY OF ROWLEY. 

here in summer. Those only, these two last years, died 
of fevers, who landed in June and July. Those of 
Plymouth, who landed in the winter, died of the scur- 
vy. 

Notwithstanding the many and great discouragements 
under which the first settlers of the Massachusetts colo- 
ny labored, they were prosperously increased by great 
numbers of emigrants from England, who arrived from 
year to year. For several years, next after 1631, about 
twenty ships, with passengers, arrived each year. The 
number of inhabitants were so increased, they were 
forced to look out for new plantations every year ; so 
that, within a few years, every desirable place, fit for a 
plantation on the sea-coast, was taken up. On the ar- 
rival of Mr. Ezekiel Rogers, with about twenty families, 
in December, 1633, the aforenamed towns of Salem, 
Charlestown, Boston, Medford, Watertown, Roxbury, 
Lynn, and Dorchester, together with Cambridge, Ips- 
wich, Newbury, Weymouth, Hingham, Concord, Ded- 
ham, and Braintree, were all occupied. They therefore 
spent the winter in Salerri, improving the time in looking 
out a place for a plantation. 

Mr. Rogers was a man of great note in England for 
his zeal, piety, and abilities. Mr. Eaton and Mr. Dav- 
enport exerted themselves, therefore, to persuade him 
and his company to proceed to New Haven, and settle 
with them. In consequence of these importunities, he 
made a partial engagement to comply, and sent on sev- 
eral of his company to examine the place, who, not find- 
ing every thing to their satisfaction, and he, feeling his 
responsibility to many persons of " quality in England, 
who depended on him to choose a fit place for them," 
consulted with the ministers of Massachusetts. By their 



ROGERS AND IHS COMPANY. 121 

advice, be and his people concluded to take a place 
between Ipswicb and Newbury ; and these towns having 
granted some farms on this tract, Mr. Rogers's com- 
pany purchased them at the price of £ 800. They 
then sent a pinnace to New Haven for their people who 
had gone there. But Mr. Davenport and Mr. Eaton, 
and their people, were so zealous to obtain Mr. Rogers 
and his flock, that they detained the pinnace, and sent 
on a messenger with letters to obtain them if possible, 
even pleading his engagement. 

Mr. Rogers again desired the ministers to assemble. 
He laid before them his letters from New Haven. They 
determined, that, as the propositions upon which Mr. 
Rogers's engagements were made, could not be fulfilled, 
he was therefore released from all his aforesaid engage- 
ments. Accordingly, he sent them his final answer, and 
then came with his people to this place, at first called 
" Mr. Rogers's plantation," afterwards Rowley ; so 
called from Rowley, in Yorkshire, England, where he 
and some of his people had lived. 

The precise time of their removal to Rowley is not 
known. It was probably as early as the last of April, 
or first of May, 1639. 

The act of incorporation is in the following words, viz. 

" 4th day of the 7th * month, 16o9. — Ordered, that 
Mr. Kzekiel Rogers's plantation shall be called Rowley." 

It was the practice of the General Court at that pe- 
riod, to give to all their acts and orders, passed at an}^ 
one session, the date of the day on which tlie session 
comnjenced. It is therefore to be understood, that the 
above order passed at a General Court which commenced 



* September. 
11 



122 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

its session on the day of the date thereof ; but that par- 
ticular order might not pass until several days after the 
lime the date indicates. 

Mr. Rogers brought over from England with him, but 
about twenty families, as before stated. Before coming 
to Rowley, however, he had increased his company to 
about sixty families. 

These people, it appears, labored together and in 
common, for nearly five years, from the time they com- 
menced a settlement in the place ; no man owning any 
land in severalty from the company, until after they had, 
probably, cleared up the lands on each side the brook 
that runs through the central part of what is now the first 
parish in Rowley, and had laid out the several streets 
and roads, as now improved. Several of the streets 
were named when first laid out, viz. " Bradford Street," 
commencing somewhere near the westerly end of Nar- 
row Lane, so called, and extending northerly to the cor- 
ner near the house of Samuel Jewett, and to " Weth- 
ersfield Street." This street extended from said corner, 
easterly, to the meeting-house, where " Holmes Street " 
commenced, and extended northerly, probably to Town's 
End Bridge, then so called, which is the bridge near 
the house now owned by Thomas Payson. The names 
of other streets are not now known.* It is believed 
they continued their locations of streets as follows, viz. 
from the corner near Captain Daniel N. Prime's house, 
by said Holmes Street ; thence on the street or road 
which passes by the house lately owned by Paul Jewett, 
deceased ; and thence by the house now owned by Dr. 
Benjamin Proctor, and continuing round on the main 

* Edward Bridge's house lot is bounded on Cross and High Streets. 



HOUSE LOTS LAID OUT. 123 

road, passing by the house now of the Rev. Willard 
Holbrook, to the common, and so on by the northerly 
side of the common and to the aforesaid Bradford Street 
road, uniting therewith at the corner, near tlie house of 
Joseph M. Jewett ; and also the road on the southerly 
side of the common, and so on toward Ipswich ; and 
also the road leading from the meeting-house to the 
aforesaid main road, and the road called Kiln Lane. 

Upon the aforesaid streets and roads, a committee 
for the purpose proceeded to lay out sixty-one house- 
lots to as many individuals, as appears by the ancient 
record thereof, now in the Town Clerk's office ; a copy 
of which is substantially as follows, viz. 

" The survey of the towne of Rowley, taken the 
tenth of the eleaventh Anno Dni 1643, by Mr. Thomas 
Nelson, Mr. Edward Carleton, Humphrey Reyner, 
Francis Parrot, appointed for that purpose by the fre- 
men of the said towne, who also are to regester the 
severall lotts of all the inhabitants granted and laid out, 
and to leave thereof a coppy with the Recorder of the 
Sheire, according to the order of the General Court. 

'' A regester of all the house lotts in such severall 
streets as are formerly mentioned in the book. 

"• BRADFORD STREETE. 

" Imp. To Thomas Ellethrop, one lott containinge 
one acree and an halfe, bounded on the south side by 
the commons, part of it lyinge on the west side, and 
part of it on the east side of the streete. 

" To John Dresser, one lott containinge one acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the south side by Tliomas 
Ellethrop's house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, 
and part of it on the east side of the streele. 



124 HISTORY OV ROWLEY. 

" To Hugh Chaplin, one lott containinge an acree and 
an halfe, bounded on the south s'Ide by John Dresser's 
house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, and part 
of it on the east side of the streete. 

" To Peter Cooper, one lott containinge an acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the south side by [Thomas Mil- 
ler's *] house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, and 
part of it on the east side of the streete. 

" To Thomas Sumner, one lott containinge an acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the south side by Peter Cooper's 
house lott, part of it lying on the west side, and part of 
it on the east side of the streete. 

" To John Burbank, one lott containinge an acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the south side by Thomas 
Sumner's house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, 
and part of it on the east side of the streete. 

" To Thomas Palmer, one lott containinge an acree 
and a halfe, bounded on the south side by John Bur- 
bank's house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, and 
part of it on the east side of the streete. 

" To William Wilde, one lott containinge an acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the south side by Thomas 
Palmer's house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, 
and part of it on the east side of the streete. 

" To William Jackson, one lott containinge an acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the south side by William 
Wilde's house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, 
and part of it on the east side of the streete. 

" To Hugh Smith, one lott containinge an acree and 
an halfe, bounded on the south side by William Jack- 
son's house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, and 
part of it on the east side of the streete. 

* Probably should have been Hugh Chaplin. 



HOUSE LOTS LAID OUT. 125 

" To Michael Hopkinson, one lott conlaininge an 
acree and an lialfe, bounded on the south side by Hugh 
Smith's house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, 
and part of it on the east side of the slreete. 

" To John Boynton, one lott containinge an acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the south side by Michaell 
Hopkinson's house lott, part of it lyinge on the west 
side, and part of it on the east side of the streete. 

" To William Boynton, one lott containinge an acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the south side by John Boyn- 
ton's house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, and 
part of it on the east side of the streete. 

" To Thomas Dickinson, one lott containinge an acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the south side by William 
Boynton's house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, 
and part of it on the east side of the streete. 

" To Joseph Jewett, one lott containinge two acres, 
bounded on the south side by Thomas Dickinson's house 
lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, and part of it on 
the east side of the streete. 

" To Maximilian Jewett, one lott conlaininge two 
acrees, bounded on the south side by Joseph Jewett's 
house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, and part 
of it on the east side of the streete. 

" To Jane Grant, one lott containinge one acree and 
an halfe, bounded on the south side by Maximilian Jew- 
ett's house lott, part of it on the west side, and part 
of it on the east side of the streete. 

" To John Spofford, one lott containinge an acree and 
an halfe, bounded on the south side by an highway, part 
of it lyinge on the west side, and part of it on the east 
side of the streete. 

" To George Kilborne, one lott containinge an acree 
11* 



126 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

and an halfe, bounded on the south side by John Spof- 
ford's house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, and 
part of it on the east side of the streete. 

" To Margaret Stanton, [one lott containinge] one 
acree bounded on the south side by George Kilborne's 
house lott, part of it lyinge on the west side, and part of 
it on the east side of the streete. 

" WETHERSFIELD STREETE. 

'' Imp. To John Remington [one lott containinge] 
two acrees bounded on the west side by the commons, 
part of it lyinge upon the north side of the streete, and 
part of it on the south side. 

" To James Barker, one lott containinge one acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the west side by John Reming- 
ton's house lott, part of it lyinge on the north side of 
the streete, and part of it on the south side. 

" To William Stickney, one lott containinge one acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the west side by James Bar- 
ker's house lott and the highway, part of it lyinge on 
the north side of the streete, and part of it on the south 
side. 

" To William Scales, one lott containinge an acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the west side by William Stick- 
ney's house lott, part of it lyinge on the north side of the 
streete, and part of it on the south side. 

" To Matthew Boyes, one lott containinge two acrees, 
bounded on the west side by William Scales, his house 
lott, part of it lyinge on the north side of the streete, 
and part of it on the south side. 

" To Jane Brocklebank, one lott containinge two 
acrees, bounded on the west side by IMalthew Boyes, 
part of it lyinge on the north side of the streete, and part 
of it on the south side. 



HOUSE LOTS LAID OUT. 127 

" To Tliomas Mighill, one lott contaiiiinge three acrees 
bounded on the west side by the highway, and a small 
parcell [of land] lyinge common, part of it lyinge on the 
north side of the streete, and part of it on the south side. 

" To Mrs. Margery Shove, one lott containinge two 
acrees, bounded on the west side by Thomas Mighill's 
house lott, part of it lyinge on the north side of the 
streete, and part of it on the south side. 

" To Humphrey Reyner, one lott containinge three 
acrees, bounded on the west side by Mrs. Margery 
Shove's house lott, part of it lyinge on the north side of 
the streete, and part of it on the south side. 

*' To Mr. Ezekiel Rogers, six acrees, bounded on 
the west side by a small parcell of common [land] part 
of his lott lyinge on the north side of the streete, and 
part of it on the south side. 

" HOLMES STREETE. 

" To Mr. John Miller, one lott containinge two acrees, 
bounded on the south side by Nicholas Jackson's house 
lott, the west end upon the streete. 

" To John Jarrat, one lott containinge two acrees, 
bounded on the south side by Mv. John Miller's lott, the 
west end lyinge upon the streete. 

" To Francis Parrot, two acrees bounded on the 
south side by John Jarrat's house lott, the west end and 
north side by the streete. 

" To Mr. Edward Carleton, one lott containinge three 
acrees, bounded on the south end by the streete, on the 
north side by the common, and by Mr. Heiny Sands's 
house lott. 

" To Mr. Henry Sands, one lott containinge two 
acrees, bounded on the south side by the common, and 
the west end by the streete. 



/ 



123 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

*' To Thomas Leaver, one lott containinge an acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the south side by the common, 
and the east end by the streete. 

" To John Trumble, one lott containinge an acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the south side by Thomas Lea- 
ver's house lott, and the east end by the streete. 

"To John Haseltine, one lott containinge two acrees, 
bounded on the south side by John Trumble, and the 
east end by the streete. 

" To Thomas Tenney, one lott containinge an acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the south side by John Hasel- 
line's house lott, and the east end by the streete. 

" To Robert Haseltine, one lott containinge two 
acrees, bounded on the south side by Thomas Tenney's 
house lott, and the east end by the streete. 

" To Richard Swan, one lott containinge two acrees, 
bounded on the south side by Robert Haseltine's house 
lott, and the east end by the streete. 

" To Thomas Lilforth, one lott containinge one acree 
and an halfe, bounded on the south side by Richard 
Swan's house lott, and the east end by the streete. 

" To Richard Thorlay, one house lott containinge 
two acrees, bounded on the west side by Mr. Edward 
Carleton's house lott, and the south end by the streete. 

" To Francis Lambert, one house lott containinge two 
acrees, the north side lyinge upon the northeast field, the 
west end upon the streete. 

" To Robert Hunter, one house lott containing two 
acrees, bounded on the north side by Francis Lambert's 
house lott, the west end by the streete. 

" To William Acy, one house lott containinge two 
acrees, bounded on the north side and east end by the 
streete. 



HOUSE LOTS LAID OUT. 129 

" To Thomas Miller, one house lott contalninge one 
acree and an halfe, bounded on the north side by Wil- 
h'am Tenney's house lott, the east end by the streete. 

" To William Harris, one house lott conlalninge two 
acrees, bounded on the south side by the common, the 
east end by the streete. 

" To John Harris, one house lott conlaininge two 
acrees, bounded on the south side by William Harris, 
his house lott, the east end by the streete. 

" To Thomas Harris, one house lott containinge two 
acrees, bounded on the south side by John Harris, his 
house lott, the east end by the streete. 

" To John Newmarch, one house lott containinge 
two acrees, bounded on the south side by Thomas Har- 
ris, his house lott, the east end by the streete. 

" To Mr. William Bellingham, one house lott conlain- 
inge foure acrees, bounded on the north side by a peece 
of common [land], part of it lyinge on the east side of 
the streete, and part of it on the west side. 

" To Mr. Thomas Nelson, one house lott containinge 
six acrees, bounded on the north side by a peece of 
common [land], part of it lyinge on the east side of the 
streete, and part of it on the west side. 

" To Thomas Barkar, one house lott containinge foure 
acrees, bounded on the north side by a peece of com- 
mon [land], part of it lyinge on the east side of the 
streete, and part of it on the west side. 

" To Sebastian Briggam, one house lott containinge 
foure acrees, bounded on the north side by Thomas 
Barkar's house lott, part of it lyinge on the east side of 
the streete, and part of it on the west side. 

"To George Abbot, one house lott containinge two 
acrees, bounded on the north side by Sebastian Brig- 
gam's house lott, the east end by the streeie. 



130 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

" To Edward Bridges, one house lott containinge an 
acree and an halfe, bounded on the north side by ihe 
crosse streete, the east end by the high streete. 

" To Cushins Crosby, one house lott containinge one 
acree and an halfe, bounded on the north side by a peece 
of ground unlaid out, and the east end by the streete. 

" To Richard Nalam, one house lott containinge one 
acree and an halfe, bounded on the north side by Cush- 
ins Crosby's house lott, the east end by the streete." 

The following are the names of the first settlers of the 
town, or of such as had each a house lot, as aforesaid, 
alphabetically arranged, with other notices. 

When made Freeman. When died. Where 

George Abbot, 1647. 

William Acy, 

James Barkar, Oct. 7, 1640, 1678. 

Thomas Barkar, May 13, 1640, 1650, 

William Bellingham, Oct. 12, 1640, 1650. 

Matthew Boyes, May 22, 1639. 
John Boynton, ]670. 

William Boynton, 1640, 1665. 

Edward Bridges, 
Sebastian Briggam, 
Jane Brocklebank, 1668. 



John Burbank, 


May 13, 1640. 






Edward Carleton, 


1642. 






Hugh Chaplin, 


1642, 


1660. 




Peter Cooper, 








Cushins Crosby, 








Thomas Dickinson, 




1661. 




John Dresser, 




1672. 




Thomas Ellethrop, 




June 8,1689. 




Jane Grant, 




1690. 




John Harris, 


May 26, 1647. 






Thomas Harris, 








William Harris, 








John Haseltine, 


May 13, 1640, 




in Bradford. 



FIRST SETTLERS. 



131 



When made Freeman. When died. 


Where. 


Robert Haseltine, 


May 13, 1640, 


Aug. 


27, 1674, 


in Bradford. 


Michael Hopkinson, 


May 13, 1G40, 




1648. 




Robert Hunter, 


Oct. 7, 1640, 




1647. 




William Jackson, 




May 


1, 1688. 




John Jarrat, 


May 13, 1640, 




1647. 




Joseph JeAvett, 


May 22, 1639, 


Feb.26,16G0- 


I. 


Maximilian Jewett, 


May 13, 1640, 




1684. 




George Kilborne, 


May 13, 1640. 








-Francis Lambert, 


May 13, 1640, 




1647. 




Thomas Leaver, 










Thomas Lilforth, 










Thomas Mighill, 


May 13, 1640, 




1654. 




John Miller, * 


May 22, 1639, 


June 


12,1663, 


in Groton. 


Thomas Miller, 










Richard Nalam, 










Mr. Thomas Nelson, 


May 23, 1639, 


Aug. 


1648, 


in England. 


John Newmarch, 










1 Thomas Palmer, 






1669. 




Francis Parrot, 


May 13, 1640, 




1656, 


in England. 


John Remington, 


1639, 






atRoxbury. 


Humphrey Reyner, 






1660. 




Mr. Ezekiel Rogers, 


May 23, 1639, 


Jan. 


1660- 


-1. 


Henry Sands, 


Oct. 7, 1640. 








William Scales, 


May 13, 1640. 








Margery Shove, 










Hugh Smith, 


1642, 




1656. 




John Spofford, 




April 22, 1696. 




Margery Stanton, 






1646. 




William Stickney, 


Oct. 7,1640, 




1664. 




Thomas Sumner, 










Richard Swan, ,*'" 


May 13, 1640, 




1678. 




Thomas Tenney, 










William Tenney, 










Richard Thorlay, 




Nov. 26, 1703, 


in Newbury. 


John Trumble, 


1640, 




1657. 




William Wildes, 






1662, 


at Ipswich. 



* Recompense, daughter of John Miller, was baptized in Boston, 
October, 1G30, being the first child baptized in Boston. 



132 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Which of the aforenamed sixty persons were heads 
of those (about) twenty families, which came but from 
England with Mr. Rogers, cannot now be determined. 
There is little doubt, however, that James Barkar, 
Thomas Barkar, Matthew Boyes, Jane Brocklebank, 
Edward Carleton, Hugh Chaplin, John Haseltine, Rob- 
ert Haseltine, Joseph Jewett, Maximilian Jewett, Fran- 
cis Lambert, Thomas Mighill, Thomas Nelson, Thomas 
Palmer, Francis Parrot, John Spofford, and Thomas 
Tenney, were among them. 

Michael Hopkinson, William Stickney, and Richard 
Swan, were dismissed from the church in Boston, to the 
church in Rowley ; and John Remington was previously 
settled in Newbury. 

Mr. John Miller was of Roxbury in 1638. Perhaps 
of Boston in 1630. William Bellingham was previously 
of Boston, or Ipswich. John Newmarch and perhaps 
others were from Ipswich. 

Soon after the settlement was commenced in 1639, 
by the sixty families before named, others moved into 
town, so that, before a record was made of the lots first 
laid out, sixteen other families had been added to their 
number, as the records conclusively show, viz. 

John Smid], who had a house lot of one acre and a 
half, joining the southeasterly side of Thomas Leaver's 
house lot. 

Mark Prime, a house lot of one acre and a half, join- 
ing the southerly side of William Acy's house lot, east 
end on the street. 

William Tenney, a house lot of one acre and a half, 
joining the south side of Mark Prime's, east end on 
the street, the southerly side by Thomas Miller's house 
lot. 



HOUSE LOTS LAID OUT. ] 33 

Nicholas Jackson, a house lot on the easterly side of 
Holmes Street, of one acre and a half, lying on the 
south side of Mr. John Miller's house lot. 

Richard Leighton, one of one acre and a half, lying 
on the southerly side of Mr. John Miller's lot. 

John Pearson, one of one acre and a half, lying on 
the southerly side of Richard Leighton's lot. 

Edward Sawer, one of one acre and a half, lying on 
the south side of James Bailey's lot. 

James Bailey, one of one acre and a half, lying on 
the north side of Edward Sawer's lot. 

Richard Holmes, a lot of one acre, joining the south- 
erly side of Edward Sawer's lot. 

The three last lots are supposed to have been on the 
easterly side of the street where Dr. B. Proctor now 
lives. 

Thomas Burkby, a lot of one acre and a half, on 
the south side of Samuel Bellingham's lot. 

John Tillison, a lot of one acre and a half, on the 
south side of Thomas Burkby's lot. 

Samuel Bellingham, a lot of , on the north side. 

of Thomas Burkby's lot. 

Thomas Sawer, one house lot of one acre and a 
half, bounded southerly by John Newmarch's house 
lot, easterly by the street. 

Daniel Harris, one house lot of one acre, bounded 
easterly by William Law's lot. 

William Law, one house lot of , bounded west- 
erly by Daniel Harris's lot. 

John Hill, one house lot of one acre and a half, 
bounded northerly by .John Tillison 's lot. 

The first entry upon the records of the General Court, 
which has any reference to Mr. Rogers's plantation, is 
12 



134 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

found, volume I., page 205, under date of the 13lh of 
March preceding the incorporation, in the words follow- 
ing. " Plum-island is to remain in the Court's power ; 
only for the present, Ipswich, Newbury, and the new 
plantation between them, may make use of it, 'till the 
Court shall see cause otherwise to dispose of it." 

The next thing is the incorporation act, as before 
stated. Under date of the 13th day of the 3d month 
(May), 1640, the Court "■ Ordered, that Rowley be 
granted two years' immunity from public charges, in re- 
gard of their great loss and charge by purchasing of land 
and hindrance of planting the last year." 

Under the same date, " It is declared, that Rowley 
bounds is to be eight miles from their meeting-house in 
a straight line ; and then a cross line diameter from Ips- 
wich Ryver to Merrimack Ryver, where it doth not 
preiudice any former grant." 

Under date of the " 7ih day, 8th month (October), 
[1640,] (to correct a mistake), it is ordered, that the 
neck of land on Merrimack, near Corchitawick, be 
added to Rowley. The line to run from the outermost 
part of that neck, to Ipswich River, by the end of their 
eight mile line to be run from their meeting-house paral- 
lel with Ipswich line ; provided that all former grants 
upon the side of Ipswich River shall be excepted out of 
this grant ; particularly reserving John Endicot's grant 
on said Ipswich River. Rowley agreed to the above." 

The alteration made in the line was at the particular 
request of Mr. Rogers. He at first supposed the eight 
mile line would include the neck ; * but on finding it 
would not, he personally applied to the General Court 

* Meaning the neck of land in Bradford, near Gage's Ferry. 



TOWN BOUNDARIES. I35 

for such alteration as should include it. The Court 
were doubtful what course to pursue, they having for- 
merly granted a plantation at Corchitawick (Andover), 
and so did not at first yield to his request. He then plead- 
ed the justice of his petition, and their former promises 
" of large accommodations," when he was on the point 
of going to New Haven, and in warmth left the house, 
saying he would inform the elders. This behaviour be- 
ing menacing, as it was taken, gave cause of offence to 
the Court, so as he was sent for, not by the officer, but by 
one of the Rowley deputies. Before he came, he wrote 
to the Governor,* wherein he confessed his passion- 
ate distemper, declared his meaning in those offensive 
speeches, as that his meaning was, that he would pro- 
pound the case to the elders for advice, only, about the 
equity of it, which he still defended. This would not 
be accepted ; but the Court would have him appear and 
answer ; only they left him to take his own time. So 
the next day he came, and did freely and humbly blatne 
himself for his passionate distemper ; and the Court, 
knowing he would not yield from the justice of his cause 
(as he apprehended it), accepted his satisfaction, and 
freely granted what he formerly desired. — Winthrop. 
In 1652, the General Court again altered the westerly 
line of Rowley, by taking from the northwesterly corner, 
by Merrimack River, about five hundred acres, and adding 
at the southwesterly corner, by Ipswich River, about the 
same quantity of land. This was done, (as the record 
says,) to accommodate Andover. The line, as thus al- 
tered, is presumed to be the same that now divides 
Bradford and Boxford from Andover. 

* Thomas Dudley. 



136 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

In 1653, the Court appointed Ensign Howlet and 
Cor])oral Gage, (probably Thomas Howlet and John 
Gage, both of Ipswich,) a committee to settle the line 
between Rowley and Andover. 

1649, on the 17ih day of the 8th month (October). 
Upon the petition of Newbury, the Court thinketh meet, 
to give and grant Plum-island to Ipswich, Rowley, and 
Newbury, viz. Ipswich to have two parts, Newbury two 
parts, and Rowley one fifth part. 

In 1655, the Court appointed Deacon Whipple, of 
Ipswich, Mr. Hall, of Salisbury, and Ensign Howlet, a 
committee to settle the line between Newbury and Row- 
ley. 

1653, March 25. The town appointed Francis Par- 
rot, Joseph Jeweit, and Hugh Smith, to join with com- 
mittees of Ipswich and Topsfield, to agree on and 
bound out the line between this town and theirs. 

In 1643, Massachusetts was divided into four shires 
(counties). Salem, Lynn, Enon,* Ipswich, Rowley, 
Newbury, Gloucester, and Corchitawick,f composed the 
shire of Essex. 

The names of the other three shires were Suffolk, 
Middlesex, and Northfolk. 

Suffolk contained the towns of Boston, Dorchester, 
Roxbury, Waymouth, Hingham, Deadham, and Brain- 
tree. 

Middlesex contained the towns of Charlestown, Water- 
Town, Cambridge, Concord, Sudbury, Wooburn, Read- 
ing, and Maiden ; and 

Northfolk the towns of Salsbury, Hampton, and Ha- 
verhil. 

* Wenham. t Andover. 



COUNTIES FIRST FORMED. 137 

Suffolk and Middlesex each contain a regiment, Essex 
and Northfolk another. 

Major Edward Gibbens was appointed to the com- 
mand of the Suffolk regiment. 

Major Robert Sedgwick was appointed to the com- 
mand of the Middlesex regiment ; and 

Major Daniel Denison (of Ipswich) was appointed to 
the command of the Essex and Northfolk regiment. 

Each town, named in the several counties, contained 
a company of soldiers. The soldiers of each town 
chose their own Captain and subalterns by a major 
vote. The officers, when chosen, were installed into 
their place by the Major of the regiment. 

Captain Sebastian Brigham commanded the Rowley 
company. 

The Court order, that all the souldiers belonging to 
the twenty-six bands in the Mattachusetts government, 
shall be exercised and drilled eight dales in a yeare, and 
whosoever should absent himself, except it were upon 
unavoidable occasions, should pay 55. for every dale's 
neglect. 

Each regiment is to be exercised once a year. 

After the inhabitants of the town had caused their 
streets and house lots to be laid out, as has been already 
described, they proceeded directly to make and ordain all 
such by-laws, rules, and regulations, as they deemed 
necessary for the well-being of the town ; a few of 
which have been transcribed with care from the original 
records, and are as follows, viz. 

" The prudential men (selectmen), during the time of 

their being, shall have full power to order and transact 

all the common affairs of the town of Rowley ; to make 

orders, and impose fines, for the better managing the 

12* 



138 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

affairs of said town. Provided ihey do nothing contrary 
to the order of the General Court. Provided also, that 
they dispose of no land for inheritance without the con- 
sent of the town, and let no town's land but for their 
present year. 

" Ordered : That all the commons, which belong to 
the town of Rowley, shall extend five miles from the 
town every way, where the town has property, which 
shall not be laid out to any particular person. 

" To the end every man may have an equal share in 
the commons, according to purchase,* it is agreed, 

" That every 1^ acre house lot shall have 1| gates f 
(in the common pastures). 

'« That every 2 acre " " 4| '' 

u CI 3 " " " 13^" 

u u 4 tt tC CC 22 " 

cc (c g u a u 4^ (.(. 

1673-4. It was ordered and agreed by the town, 
that two thirds of their town commons should be di- 
vided in the following manner, to wit : Every person 
in town, owning one or more gates (or rights), and living 
within the aforesaid five mile common, to be entitled to 
receive two acres for every 20^. he had paid in the last 
country tax ; and those keeping house within the five 
miles, and paying rates, (if less than 205.) also to have 
two acres. 

Ordered : That all house lots, that are or shall be laid 
out, shall fence against all common pastures. 



* This has reference, no doubt, to the £ 800 paid to previous 
grantees. 

t Same as cow rights. Other lands were laid out in much the 
same proportion that these rights bear to the house lots. 



BY-LAWS. 139 

Inclosures, wbicli are not laid out for house lots, the 
overseers shall fence. 

Ordered : That all men's meadows and uplands in the 
divisions, that are laid out, or shall be laid out this year, 
shall be bounded with stakes and stones at the corners. 
And at the said corners a hole shall be made, about a 
foot wide, into which the stone shall be laid, and the 
stake, being about the thickness of a man's leg, shall be 
stuck into the said hole ; and if any man fail in bounding 
his property, as is here ordered, between this and the 
last of the seventh month, he shall pay, for every such 
neglect, five shillings. 

Ordered : That all those, who have any cattle to be 
kept at any of the town herds, shall give in their names, 
with the number of their cattle, unto some of the se- 
lectmen, at or before the first day of the second month 
[April]. And if any cattle be found before any herds- 
man, not given in as aforesaid, the owner thereof shall 
pay, for every such beast, 2s. 6J. 

Ordered : That no man shall refuse to keep the cattle 
or cows upon the Sabbath day, being lawfully warned 
thereunto, (that is), two days before, upon penalty of 55. 
half to the town, and half to him who shall keep in his 
place. 

Ordered : That such as be appointed to any common 
day work, by any of the overseers, such person shall be 
ready for the work at seven o'clock in the morning, pro- 
vided the work be in town. And in case any man fail 
of appearing, he shall pay 3d. an hour, for every hour 
he falls short of his time so appointed. In case the 
work be out of town, every man shall be ready at the 
afore appointed time, at such place as the overseer shall 
appoint in the town to meet at, on a like penalty. 



140 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Ordered : That all fence be made up and repaired 
against all nnanner of cattle and hogs, from March 1 to 
October 31, on penalty of Is. a rod for every neglect. 
And all street fences shall be made sufficient, and shall 
be four feet high. 

Most of the foregoing by-laws and orders, with many 
others, were passed in 1643. A few are of a later 
date. 

In 1660, the following were passed, viz. 

The town ordered a substantial and strong three-rail 
fence to be made between Newbury and Rowley, to 
prevent cattle coming from Mr. Dummer's farm, so 
called. 

Ordered : That from and after the 10th day of the 
second month [April], swine be yoked with a yoke two 
feet one way by twenty inches the other, with a suitable 
ring in the nose, on penalty of 2s. each. 

This year the town made an order, requiring a di- 
vision and record of partition fences. Also, an order for 
the impounding of horses, cattle, and sheep. Fees for 
horses Is. 6d. ; cattle and sheep 4d. per head. 

Order, requiring all chimneys, whether in thatched or 
clapboarded houses, to be swept at certain periods, on 
penalty of Is. for each neglect. A ladder to be kept 
about each house, on penalty of IO5. 

No gate or gap to be left open, on penalty of Is. 6d. 

Ordered : That no vote or act of the town be valid, if 
passed so long after sunset, that the clerk cannot see to 
record it. 

Ordered : That no land be sold or granted by the town, 
unless twice published to the town, in open meeting, on 
different days, previous to the day the grant is made. 
The consent of adjoining owners is also required. The 



BY-LAWS. 141 

town are not to exchange any land, but in the same way. 
No tenant is to be taken into any house, but by consent 
of the town, on penalty of 19s. per month. 

No man is to sell house or land to a stranger, va ilhout 
first offering it to the selectmen, to be appraised by 
indifferent men, on penalty of 195. per month for each 
parcel. 

Ordered : That all taxes be paid by the time fixed on 
by the selectmen, or delinquents are to pay one third 
more. Taxes may be paid in corn, or otherwise, to 
the satisfaction of the constables. 

Ordered : That no horses or asses shall be left in the 
night time in the common fields, either loose, tethered, 
hoppled, or sidelonged, nor in the day time shall any 
horse or ass be so left in common fields or highways, 
but upon or against each owner's property, on penalty 
of l.s. 6fL in addition to all datnages. 

Ordered : That hogs and pigs over eight weeks old, be 
driven daily into the woods. Bradford Street people 
shall drive as far as Long meadow. Wethersfield 
Street to Mr. Rogers's, shall drive their hogs over 
Batcheler's brook, at the ox-pasture end ; and from 
Goodman Wicom's to Mr. Philip Nelson's over Batch- 
eler's brook. And the other two streets are to drive 
over Batcheler's bridge. All hogs are to be put up in 
some close place every night, and any time of the day 
when they come home, if the owner know of them ; 
provided, that if any person sufficiently yoke and ring 
their hogs, and keep them so according to order, they 
may be exempted from this order of driving ; and if any 
fail herein, for every time so doing, he or they shall pay 
4d. a hog, half to the informer and half to the town. 
And further, it is ordered, concerning such swine as 



142 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

are not driven or yoked as aforesaid, if they be found in 
any man's corn or meadow, such hogs shall be liable to 
pay double damage. 

Whereas there is a great number of hogs kept in the 
town, and great damage done by them, both in the com- 
mons and otherways ; the selectmen have made a stint 
of hogs for this year as followeth, viz. 

The greater lots (house lots) shall have liberty to 
keep twelve hogs, and breed ten pigs. The two acre 
lots shall have liberty to keep ten, and breed up six. 
And the half two acre lots, and all under, shall have 
liberty to keep six and breed up four, and the younger 
to come into the former number, when they are half a 
year old. And if any of our inhabitants exceed their 
number, they are to pay for every hog 55., half to the 
informer and half to the town. Only the man who 
keeps the ordinary [tavern], shall have liberty to keep 
a double stint. 

Order relating to town meetings. It is agreed there 
shall be three indifferent persons to warn public meet- 
ings, each in the several circuits. He who warns from 
John Pearson's to Mr. Nelson's, shall have four pence a 
time ; and he who w^arns the middle of the town shall 
have two pence a time ; and he who warns Bradford 
Street shall have two pence a time. And the clerk 
shall call, at the hour appointed, if the day be clear, if 
not at the discretion of the selectmen, or the major part 
of them, the name of each voter, and give in the 
names of those who are absent, unto those [appointed 
to hear the case of such as are delinquent, for which 
work the clerk shall have two pence a meeting ; pro- 
vided he call when the meeting is ended, if desired ; 
and in case the clerk fail in any part of his office, he 



BY-LAWS. 143 

shall be liable to pay Is. a time. It is likewise ordered, 
that if any man, who is warned to any town meeting, 
be not there when he is called, he shall be liable to pay 
6(1. ; and if he come not at all, Is. ; nor shall any de- 
part without leave upon the like penalty. 

Constables are to receive a warrant from the select- 
men, within fourteen days from the time of holding any 
town meeting, for collecting all fines for non-attendance, 
&c. as aforesaid, to have Sd. in a shilling for their trouble, 
and liable to a penalty of 2s. for each neglect of their 
duty. 

Proprietors of common fields and pastures, were liable 
to a penalty of Is for each neglect of attending legally 
warned meetings. 

Ratable estate was to be given in to the selectmen, 
or they might tax according to their own discretion. 

Overseers were to see that all by-laws were duly 
kept. 

Ordered : That all town streets be made and maintained 
four rods wide, three rods of which shall be kept clear 
of wood, carts, or other impediments, so there may be 
comfortable passage to and fro, on penalty of 5s. ; but 
in case any beast receive hurt by the neglect of any one 
to comply with this order, the delinquent shall pay all 
damages. 

For the preservation of timber, it is ordered : That no 
staves, heading, hoop poles, shingle, or clapboard stuff, 
be carried out of town, except it be wrought up, on 
penalty of 4s. per hundred. 

For the preservation of trees in the streets, ordered, 
that no tree in the town streets shall be cut down, but 
with the consent of the selectmen, on penalty of 5s. 

Ordered : That no person in the town shall fall, lop, 



144 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

bark, or girdle any tree on the north or northwest side 
of any house or house lot in the town, within eighty rods 
thereof, upon the penalty of 5s. for every tree so fell, 
lopped, or girdled, contrary to this order. 

For the preservation of firewood, Ordered : That no 
tree be cut for fire wood within one and an half miles of 
the town, unless the same be taken away, or the wood 
(body and all) cut and set up within six days, on penalty 
of 10.S., brushwood excepted. The next preceding or- 
der is not to be infringed by this. Thomas Tenney, 
Thomas Leaver, John Burbank, and John Boynton, 
were chosen to see to the execution of this order. 

Ordered : That no post and rail stuff be sold out of 
town, on penalty of lOs-. per hundred. 

No grass to be cut on common land, but by con- 
sent of the selectmen. 

On the 16th day of April, 1668, the town passed 
an order, directing the town brook to be cleared out, 
three feet wide and two feet deep, and so kept. Be- 
ginning at Jonathan Jackson's land on Bradford Street, 
and so through Jachin Reyner's land downward, till the 
brooks meet, and thence downward, till the brook en- 
ters Satchwell's meadow ; and from Edward Hazen's 
bridge in his swamp [Town's End bridge] downward, 
to the other brook ; the last to be two feet wide and 
two deep. Where the brooks cross the streets, they 
are to be kept clear by common day's work. If any 
neglect to open the brook, as aforesaid, through their 
lands, they were to forfeit l5. per rod per month. The 
work to be done by the 20th of June, 1668. No man 
was allowed to stop the water in the brook to rot hemp 
or flax. 

Penalty for cutting down trees in the town streets, 
increased to 155. 



OTHER SETTLERS. 145 

The by-laws and orders, adopted by ibe town, were 
valid only for the current year in which they were made, 
unless the town, at their annual meeting, should by a 
vote extend them from year to year, and this the town 
did. Most of the before written by-laws and orders, 
with others now on record in the town books, were con- 
tinued in force until after the year 1690, and some of 
them until after 1700. 

The order prohibiting the cutting of grass upon com- 
mon land, without consent of the selectmen ; the order 
to prevent the tow^n streets from being encumbered with 
wood, carts, &c. ; the order relating to keeping the 
town brook clear ; the order relating to giving in an in- 
voice of ratable property ; and the order prohibiting 
the town from disposing of any lands, but at their third 
meeting, were longest continued in force. 

From the settlement of the town, to the year ITOOj 
the following named male heads of families, with their 
families, became residents in the town, as appears by 
reference to the Record of Births, each of which have 
one or more children entered thereon. The first child of 
each as entered upon said Record, was born in the year 
affixed to each name below ; viz. 

Thomas Alley, 1678 

Anthony Austin, ...... 1665 

Anthony Bennett, ..... 1687 

Doct. David Bennett, 1678 

Joshua Bradley, ...... 1663 

Doct. Humphrey Bradstreet, .... 1694 

John Bradstreet, . . . . . 1691 

Moses Bradstreet, ..... 1687 

Nathaniel Bradstreet, 1689 

Josiah Briday, ...... 1684 

13 



146 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY 



Charles Brown, 

James Calif, 

James Canada, . 

Simon Chapman, 

James Chute, 

Richard Clark, 

Isaac Colby, 

Tobiah Colman, 

Cornelius Davis, 

WiUiam Duty, 

Jeremiah Elsvvorth, 

William Foster, 

Benjamin Gage, 

Thomas Gage, 

Robert Greenough, 

Benjamin Guttridge (Goodrich,) 

Thomas Hardy, . 

Leonard Harriman, 

Edward Hazen, 

Andrew Hidden, 

William Hobson, 

Joseph Horsley, 

William Hutchins, 

John Johnson, 

Benjamin Kimball, 

John Kingsbury, 

Richard Langhorn, 

Abel Longley, 

Jonathan Look, 

John Lunt, . 

William Lyon, 

Ezekiel Northend, 

Rev. Edward Payson, ordained, 



OTHER SETTLERS. 



147 



Thomas Perley, .... 


. 1670 


Rev. Samuel Phillips, ordained, . 


1651 


John Pickard, ..... 


. 1645 


Samuel Platts, .... 


1654 


Benjamin Plumer, .... 


. 1680 


Henry Poor, . ... 


1695 


Thomas Remington, .... 


. 1659 


Robert Roberts, .... 


1676 


Daniel Russell, ..... 


. 1694 


Benjamin Scott, .... 


1654 


William Searle, • . . . 


. 1690 


John Shepard, ..... 


169S 


Rev. Samuel Shepard, ordained. 


. 1665 


Samuel Silver, .... 


1692 


William Stevens, .... 


. 1695 


James Stewart, 


1693 


Robert Stiles, . • . . . 


. 1661 


Richard Syle, . ... 


1698 


John Symonds, ..... 


. 1665 


Joseph Thurston, .... 


1696 


John Todd, 


. 1649 


Nicholas Wallingford, 


1663 


John Watson, 


. 1668 


Silvanus Wentvvorth, 


1689 


TwofordWest, ..... 


. 1667 


David Wheeler, .... 


1669 


Jethro Wheeler, • . . . . 


. 1691 


John Wheeler, .... 


1679 


Jonathan Wheeler, .... 


. 1686 


Daniel Wicom, 


1661 


John Wicom, ..... 


. 1674 


Thomas Wood, .... 


1655. 


John Woodbury, . . • 


. 1671 



148 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Joseph Woimwell, ..... 1642 

Samuel Worster, . . . . .1 663 

William Worster, ..... 1667 

or the sixty first settlers who had each a house lot, it 
is not known that more than eighteen have male descend- 
ants, now living in Rowley or Georgetown ; a few others 
have male descendants in Bradford. 

Of the sixteen who afterwards moved into town and 
had house lots, six only have male descendants now in 
Rowley or Georgetown. 

Of the seventy-nine whose names are mentioned above, 
fifteen have male descendants now in Rowley or George- 
town. 

In 1643, (says Winthrop,) " our supplies from Eng- 
land failing much, men began to look about them, and fell 
to a manufacture of cotton, whereof we had store from 
Barbadoes, and of hemp and flax, wherein Rowley, to 
their great commendation, exceeded all other towns." 

As early as 1643, John Pearson, a clothier, moved 
into Rowley, and erects the first fulling mill* in New 
England. A cedar tenter post, which, with other gear- 
ing for the mill, was brought out of England, was, about 
thirty years since, standing, and all that part above ground, 
perfectly sound ; since that time it has been worked into 
rules, some of which have been deposited in various an- 
tiquarian rooms, as a relic of early times, one of which 
rules is upon the writer's table while penning this para- 
graph, wrought from said post by his own hand. 

Johnson, f in his " Wonder-working Providence," speak- 
ing of the first settlers of Rowley, says " they consisted of 



* See Milts. 

i Edward Johnson, one of the first settlers of Woburn. 



SAMUEL GORTON AND OTHERS. 149 

about three score families ; these people being very in- 
dustrious every way, soon built as many houses, and were 
the first people that set upon making of cloth in this 
western world ; for which end they built a fulling mill, 
and caused their little ones to be very diligent in spinning 
cotton wool, many of them having been clothiers in Eng- 
land." 

In 1643, Samuel Gorton and six others were charged 
by the Court with being "blasphemous enemies of the 
true religion of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of all his ho- 
ly ordinances, and likewise of all civil government among 
his people, and particularly within this jurisdiction." 

" Then they were demanded whether they d!d ac- 
knowledge this charge to be just. They answered they 
did not acknowledge it to be just. Being in prison, 
they behaved insolently towards their keeper, and spake 
evil of the magistrates. After divers means had been 
used both in public and in private to reclaim them, and 
all proving fruitless, the Court proceeded to consider of 
their sentence, in which the Court was at first much divid- 
ed. In the end all agreed upon this sentence, viz. 
that they should be dispersed into seven several towns, 
and there kept at work for their living, and wear irons 
upon one leg, and not to depart the limits of the town ; 
nor by word or writing maintain any of their blasphe- 
mous or wicked errors upon pain of death, only with ex- 
ception for speech with any of the elders, or any other 
licensed by any magistrate to confer with them ; this cen- 
sure to continue during the pleasure of tlie Court. 
Samuel Gorton was ordered to be confined to Charlestown. 
John Wicks " " " Ipswich. 

Randal Haulden " " " Salem. 

Robert Potter " " " Rowley. 

13* 



150 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Richard Carder was ordered to be confined to Roxbury 
Francis Weston " " " Dorchester. 

John Warner " " " Boston. 

" This sentence is dated 3d day 9th month [Novem- 
ber], 1643.* 

" At the next Court they were all sent away, because 
it was found they corrupted some of the people, es- 
pecially the women by their heresies." They all went 
to England. 

In 1649, the General Court order, that whereas, " the 
inhabitants of the towns within this jurisdiction, at their 
first seting down, did generally agree to set apart a cer- 
tain parcel of land to the value of about twenty acres 
betwixt salt marsh and the lowe water marke, for the use 
of the whole town, to be improved for the thatching of 
houses, the w^ant whereof is very prejudicial to the town. 
Since which time the honored General Court by an 
order of theirs have made all lands to lowe water marke 
to belong to the proprietors of the land adjoining there- 
unto, the aforesaid inhabitants not being able to resolve 
themselves, humbly desire the resolution of this honored 
General Court ; whether the order of Court make void 
the preceeding town order. In answer to the town's query, 
the resolution of the Court is, that the Court order doth 
not disannul the order of the town preceeding it." 

1667. Hog Island marshes were divided and laid out 
to the following persons, viz. Ezekiel Jewett, John 
Dresser, Jr., Abraham Jewett, John Trumble, Jonathan 
Platts, Richard Clark, Ivory Kilborn, Jachin Reyner, 
Joseph Stickney, William Scales, John Pickard, Widow 
[Jane] Brocklebank, Deacon [Samuel] Brocklebank, 

* For a more full account, see Winthrop's History of JVew England. 



WELL KEEPING OF THE SABBATH. 151 

William Boynton, John Dresser, Sen., Widow [Ellen] 
Mighill, Daniel Wicom, Widow [Anne] Hobson, Mrs. 
[Mary] Rogers, Mr. [Samuel] Shepard, Thomas Nel- 
son, Edward Hazen, John Pearson, Mr. [Philip] Nelson, 
Richard Leighton, Ezekiel Northend, Samuel Siickney, 
Thomas Wood, Mr. [Samuel] Phillips, Henry Rila, 
W^illiam Aca, Edward Cliapman, John Scales, Richard 
Holmes, Thomas Tenney, Edward Sawyer, Thomas 
Leaver, Richard Langhorne, Richard Swan, James 
Bailey, Thomas Burpee, William Tenney, Abel Lang- 
ley, Goodwife [Anne] Tenney, Goodwife Law, John 
Johnson, Thomas Remington, John Lambert, Charles 
Brown, Andrew Hidden, Samuel Plaits, William Law, 
John Todd, John Palmer, John Harris, John Grant, 
Nehemiah Jewett, and Samuel Mighill. 

The Hog Islands were reserved for the use of the 
Indians, for planting, &c. Other salt marshes had been 
previously divided. 

In May, 1677. The General Court enacted a law, re- 
quiring selectmen to appoint, or see to it, that their 
several towns did appoint, a suitable number of persons 
to inspect the various families in town, and see that the 
Sabbath was well kept. 

November 2, 1 677. The selectmen met, and, pursuant 
to a law of the province, appointed Thomas Tenney, 
Sen., Abel Longley, John Palmer, Sen., Thomas Wood, y^ 
Sen., Daniel W^icom, John Dresser, Joseph Chaplin, 
George Kilborn, James Barker, and John Pearson, Jr., 
to see to it, that the Sabbath is duly observed in town ; 
and John Peabody and William Poster, in the village, 
and it is intended that tliey shall have the special inspec- 
tion of those families that are nearest to their house, on 
either or both sides of them. 



152 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

In 1680. The town appointed nine tythingmen for the 
tovvli, and two for the village. Each were to have the in- 
spection of certain families, viz. 

John Pahjier, to inspect the families of John Harris, 
Samuel Mighill, Richard Holmes, John Grant, Nathaniel 
Harris, Samuel. Platts, John Todd, Joseph Jewett, 
Andrew Hidden, and Henry. Rila. 

Abel Loiigly^ the families of William Tenney, Mark 
Prime, Charles Brown, William Acie, Anthony Ashley, 
Captain John Johnson, Thomas Palmer, Widow Law, 
John Spofford, Sen., and Samuel Prime. 

Thomas Tenney, the families of John Scales, Ben- 
jamin Scott, John Acie, Mr. Samuel Phillips, Richard 
Leighton, Edward Hazen, Widow Scott, Mr. Shepard, 
Nathaniel Elathrop, and Widow Hobson. 

Thomas Wood, the families of James Bailey, William 
Lion, Samuel Pearson, John Sawyer, Symon Chapman, 
Abel Platts, Abel Platts, Jr., Ezekiel Northend, Mr. 
Philip Nelson, and Thomas Nelson. 

Daniel Wicom, the families of Thomas Lambert, 
John Howard, Robert Skilito, William Boynton, Samuel 
Dresser, John Wicom, Widow Mighill, Widow Brockle- 
bank, William Scales, James Scales, and Thomas 
Alley. 

John Dresser, the families of Jonathan Platts, John 
Pickard, Sen., Abraham Jewett, Ezekiel Jewett, John 
Spoftbrd, Jr., Samuel Spofford, Robert Robins, Thomas 
Perley, William Watson, and John Trumble. 

Joseph Chaplin, the families of Jonathan Hopkinson, 
John Clark, Nicholas Jackson, Widow Cooper, John 
Burbank, Sen., Caleb Burbank, Samuel Palmer, William 
Jackson, John Jackson, Samuel Smith, Jonathan Jack- 
son, and Caleb Jackson. 



FREEMEN. I53 

Ivory Kilboru, the families of John Sopkinson, John 
Boynton, Caleb Boyntori, James Dickinson, Deacon 
Jevvett, Leonard Harriman, John Stickney, Barzilla 
Barker, Nathaniel Barker, Jachin Reyner, Jeremiah Els- 
worth, Joseph Kilborn, and John Howard. 

John Pe«r50/7, the families of John Pearson, Sen., 
John Bailey, George White, David Bennet, Joseph 
Boynton, Isaac Colby, Thomas Burp^ee, Richard Swan, 
Thomas Leaver, Jr., Thomas Leaver, Sen. 

Total one hundred and four families in town, and 
twenty-five in the village. (See village.) 

From the settlement of the town to 1664, to become 
a freeman, each person was required to be a member in 
good standing, of some congregational church. Persons 
were admitted freemen by the General Court, and by 
the quarterly courts of the counties, (after the province 
was divided into counties, or shires in 1643). None but 
M'eemen could vote for rulers or be elected to office. 

In 1664, by royal order, the aforenamed regulation 
was so modified as to allow persons to be made freemen, 
who produced certificates from clergymen acquainted 
with them, that they were correct in doctrine and of good 
moral character. 

Previous to 1663, the law required the whole body 
of freemen from all the towns in the province, to meet at 
the General Court of Elections, and choose the magis- 
trates, including the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. 

When the practice of the freemen's meeting in Boston 
to elect magistrates was changed, in 1663, it was so un- 
popular, that the practice was again renewed in 1664; 
but not many years passed before the greatness of the 
number from the whole colony, when assembled to choose 
magistrates, was found to be so inconvenient, that a 



154 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

change was made, and the freemen met in their several 
towns and cast their votes for magistrates, much in ac- 
cordance with the practice now in use in this Com- 
monwealth. 

From 1639, the freeman's oath was as follows. 

" I, A. B., being by God's providence an inhabitant 
and freeman within the jurisdiction of this Commonwealth, 
do fully acknowledge myself to be subject to the govern- 
ment thereof, and therefore do hereby swear by the great 
and dreadful name of the everlasting God, that I will be 
true and faithful to the same, and will accordingly yield 
assistance and support thereunto, with my person and 
estate, as in equity I am bound ; and I will also truly 
endeavour to maintain and preserve all the liberties and 
privileges thereof, submitting myself to the wholesome 
laws and orders, made and established by the same. 
And further, that I will not plot nor practise any evil 
against it, nor consent to any, that shall so do, but will 
truly discover and reveal the same to lawful authority now 
here established, for the speedy preventing thereof. More- 
over, I do solemnly bind myself in the sight of God, 
that when I shall be called to give my voice, touching 
any such matter of this state, wherein freemen are to 
deal, I will give my vote and suffrage, as I shall judge In 
mine own conscience may best conduce and tend to the 
public weal of the body, without respect of persons or 
favor of any man ; so help me God in the Lord Jesus 
Christ." 

Those persons who were not allowed, or who declined 
to become freemen, were styled residents, and not en- 
titled to full civil privileges. They with every other man 
of or above twenty years of age, having a residence of 
six months and not enfranchised, shall take the following 



GOVERNORS, HOW ELECTED. I55 

oath before the Governor or Deputy Governor, or the 
two next assistants. 

" I do here swear and call God to witness, that being 
now an inhabitant within the limits of this jurisdiction of 
Massachusetts, I do acknowledge myself lawfully subject 
to the authority and government here established ; and 
do accordingly submit my person, family, and estate to be 
protected, ordered, and governed by the laws and con- 
stitutions thereof; and do faithfully promise to be from 
time to time obedient and conformable thereunto, and to 
the authority of the Governor and all other magistrates 
and their successors, and to all such laws, orders, 
sentences, and decrees, as now are or hereafter shall be 
lawfully made, decreed, and published by them or their 
successors, and I will always endeavour (as in duty I am 
bound) to advance the peace and welfare of this body 
politic, and I will to my best powder and means seek to 
divert and prevent whatsoever may tend to the ruin or 
damage thereof, or of the Governor, Deputy Governor, 
or assistants, or any of their successors. And I will give 
speedy notice to them or some of them of any seditions, 
violent treachery, or other hurt or evil, which I shall 
know, hear, or vehemently suspect to be plotted or in- 
tended against them, or any of them, or against the said 
Commonwealth, or government established. So help me 
God." 

The custom of making freemen, and of requiring an 
oath of them, and of residents, seems to have fallen into 
disuse before the expiration of the first charter, in 1689. 

Governors and magistrates were elected in the follow- 
ing manner, viz. At first they were chosen in London, 
by the erection of hands, by all the freemen of the com- 
pany. After transmitting the patent into New England, 



156 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

the election was not by the erection of hands, but by 
papers, thus. 

The General Court-Electory, sitting in the meeting- 
house at Boston, the old Governer, Deputy, and all the 
magistrates, and one or two deputies for each town. All 
the freemen were bidden to come in at one door, and 
bring their votes, in paper, for the new Governor, and 
deliver them down upon the table, before the Court, and 
so to pass forth at another door. Those that were ab- 
sent, sent their votes by proxies. All being delivered 
in, the votes were counted, and the old Governor de- 
clared the result of the balloting, and that such an one 
was chosen Governor for the ensuing year. The Depu- 
ty-Governor was chosen in the same way. The as- 
sistants were, one after another, nominated by the Gov- 
ernor. The freemen were then called upon to approve 
or disapprove the nomination, which they did by pass- 
ing through the house as before ; those approving the 
nomination deposited upon the table a piece of paper, 
having some mark made upon it with a pen, and those 
who disapprove deposit a blank piece of paper ; the 
blanks and marked paper being counted, the result was 
declared. 

This election was holden, according to their patent, 
upon the last Wednesday in every Easter Term. East- 
erday is always the first Sunday after the Full Moon, 
which happens upon or next after the 21st day of March ; 
and if the Full Moon happen upon a Sunday, Easterday 
is the Sunday after. Easter Term continues forty days, 
and may vary, in its ending, from the 30th of April to 
the 3d of June, always ending of a Thursday ; conse- 
quently, this election day might vary from the 29th of 
April to the 2d of June. 



ANDROS'S USURPATION. I57 

In June, 1683, articles of high misdemeanor were 
exhibited by Edward Randolph, the public accuser in 
those days, against the Governor and Company of Mas- 
sachusetts. 

" In the latter end of the year 1683; there arrived 
a declaration from King Charles II. with a significa- 
tion to the country, that, except they would make a 
full submission and entire resignation of their charter to 
his pleasure, a quo ivarranto against it should be prose- 
cuted." " The question was offered unto Mr. Mather, 
whether the country could, without a plain trespass 
against heaven, do what was demanded of them ; and, 
in his elaborate answer to it, he demonstrated, that they 
would act neither the part of good Christians, nor of 
true Englishmen, if, by any act of theirs, they should 
be accessary to the plot then managing to produce a 
general shipivreck of liberties.'''' — Mather, Remark- 
ables. 

In Trinity Term, 1684, judgment was given for the 
King, by the High Court of Chancery, against the Gover- 
nor and Company of Massachusetts, " that their letters, 
patents, and the enrolment thereof be cancelled." 

Some months after the dissolution of the charter, it 
was thought necessary to establish a temporary govern- 
ment for the preservation of order ; when, in September, 
1685, Colonel Dudley, a native of Massachusetts, was 
appointed President, by King James II., whose ascen- 
sion to the throne was proclaimed in Boston, in April, 
1685. Dudley's administration was continued till the 
arrival of Sir Edmond Andros. 

1686, December 20. Sir Edmond Andros arrrives 
in Boston, with a commission of arbitrary government 
over New England and New York. He brought about 
14 



158 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

sixty soldiers with him to enforce such innovations as 
he might at any time think proper to make. 

The inhabitants of various towns, particularly those in 
the county of Essex, refused to appoint commissioners 
to superintend the assessment of taxes granted by An- 
dros and his Council. 

The town of Rowley met, August 31, 1687, to see if 
they would choose a commissioner for the purpose afore- 
said ; when the town did declare, by vote, that they 
would choose no such commissioner. 

By the information of Justice Nelson to Governor 
Andros, against the town of Rowley, (which presently 
follows,) it appears, the town had, at a meeting held pre- 
vious to the one mentioned above, chosen John Pearson, 
Sen. a commissioner, he, afterward, finding it incon- 
venient to serve ; the above said meeting was called, at 
which the vote of Ipswich was read, and the town of 
Rowley influenced thereby, as Justice Nelson seems to 
insinuate. This vote of the town of Ipswich was in the 
words following, viz. 

" At a legal town meeting, held August 23, 1687, 
assembled by virtue of an order from John Usher, Esq., 
for choosing a commissioner to join with the selectmen 
to assess the inhabitants according to an act of his Excel- 
lency the Governor and Council, for laying of rates. 
The town then considering, that this act doth infringe 
their liberty, as free English subjects of his Majesty, by 
interfering with the statute laws of the land, by which it 
w^as enacted, that no taxes should be levied upon the 
subjects without the consent of an assembly, chosen by 
the freeholders for assessing of the same, they do there- 
fore vote, that they are not willing to choose a com- 
missioner for such an end without said privilege, and, 



ANDROS'S USURPATION. 159 

moreover, consent not, that the selectmen do proceed to 
lay any such rate until it be appointed by a General As- 
sembly concurring with the Governor and Council." 
The selectmen of Ipswich were arrested, tried, and 
found guilty, and confined in Boston prison one and 
twenty days for judgment. Mr. Wise, the minister 
of Chebacco parish, in Ipswich (now Essex), was also 
confined and convicted with the selectmen. Their sen- 
tence was as follows, viz. John Wise, suspended from 
the ministerial function, fined £ 50, and to pay costs, 
and put under a bond of £ 1,000, for good behaviour 
one year. Selectmen, viz. 

John Appleton, not to bear office, fine £ 50 and costs, bond £ 1,000 

John Andrews, " " " '' 30 " " 500 

Robert Kinsman, " " " " 20 " " 500 

William Goodhue, " " " " 15 " " 500 

Thomas French, " '' " " 15 " " 500 

" These bonds were for good behaviour one year." 

The selectmen of Rowley were dealt less severely 
with. 

Information to Governor Andros against the tovyn of 
Rowley. 

" Mr. Justice Nelson upon his oath informs, that upon 
y^ receipt of yo treasurer's warrant for the revenue, 
y" constables soon warned a meeting of y° town, at 
which he was present, and y° town then chose John 
Pearson, Sen., commissioner to attend the service of 
his Majesty, according to the warrant, y® said Pearson 
soon informed the constables y* he was called to attend 
an issue in law where his estate was concerned, upon the 
same day that the commissioners must needs meet, and 
y® excuse being counted reasonable, the town was againe 
warned to make choice of a second ; at which meeting 
said Nelson was absent, but is informed, y^ at y® meet- 



160 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

ing, the said Pearson being moderator of the town, John 
Dresser, one of the selectmen, read the return of Ips- 
wich, which was prepared or sent to the treasurer, and 
then y^ moderator put it to vote, whether the town would 
send a commissioner, and the vote passed in the nega- 
tive, and the meeting break up. 

" Philip Nelson, 
" Justice of the Peace in Essex. 
" 16^A September, 16S7." 

Upon the foregoing information being given, the se- 
lectmen were called upon to recognize in the sum of 
£ 100, to appear before the Governor and Council on 
the 2 1 St day of September, 1687, when John Bailey, 
James Bailey, Joseph Jewell, and Joseph Chaplin, four 
of the selectmen, did recognize to appear, as aforesaid, 
to answer to all such matters as shall be laid to their 
charge, and abide the determination thereon, &c. 

After the recognizance was made, the following pe- 
titions were presented to the Governor and Council, viz. 

" To his Excellency, S"" Edmond Andross, Kn% 
Capt. General and Governor in Chief of his Majesty's 
territory and dominion of New Eng'' in America. 

*' The humble petition of John Pearson, Sen., mode- 
rator, John Dresser, Sen., John Bailey, James Bailey, 
Joseph Jewett, and Joseph Chaplin, selectmen of Row- 
ley, sheweth, that whereas your petitioners are repre- 
sented to yf Excellency as persons evilly affected to 
his Royal Majesty's government established under your 
Excellency, and more especially in the matter of choos- 
ing a commissioner to lay his Majesty's revenue, and 
thereupon were bound over to appear and answer the 
contempt thereby put upon your Excellency's govern- 



ANDROS'S USURPATION. 161 

ment, before your Excellency in Council. Wee doe sin- 
cerely profess to be ready, with our lives and fortunes, 
to uiaintain and support his Maj^^^ government, under 
y' Excellency established ; and that wee were under a 
misunderstanding of our duty therein ; and that wee are 
ready upon y^ Excellency's command, to redress our 
defect by a hearly and ample complyance with ihe Treas- 
urer's warrant. Wee therefore most humbly pray and 
entreat your Excellency's favor herein. And wee shall 
ever pray. 

"John Pearson, Sen. 
John Dresser, Sen. 
John Bailey, 
James Bailey, 
Joseph Jewett, 
Joseph Chaplin." 

" To his Exell'^*^, S' Edmond Andross, Kn*, Capt. 
Gener" and Governour in Chief of his Majesties Terri- 
tory of New-England in America. 

" The most humble petition of John Pearson Sheweth, 
" That he hath by his imprudence, indiscretion, and 
want of better advice, rendered himself an object of yo' 
Excell*^'^^ justice, and that his influence upon the town of 
Rowley, is made larger and greater, than indeed it was, 
that he is ready, and willing to submit to what yo' Hon'''® 
Judges shall think fitt to impose upon him, without 
the trouble or charge of any evidence to be brought 
against him, or jury to pass upon him, and that he most 
humbly prayes of yo' excell^'^, that a speedy prosess 
and dispatch may be made about him, that if your ex- 
(>gUcie3 pleasure bo otherwise, that good and sufficient 
bayle being offered to the Judges may be accepted, least 
14* 



162 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

the inconveniences of old age put yc petitioner beyound 
a try all. 

" And he shall every pray. 

" John Pearson. 

'' Roivhy, September 29, 1687." 

" To his Excellency, S' Edmond Andross, K^, Capt. 
General] and Governour in Chief of his Maj*'*'^ Terri- 
tory and Dominion of New-England. 

" The humble petition of John Pearson, Shevveth, 

" That your poor petitioner is from his heart grieved, 
that he should be any occation of yo' Excellencies, or of 
the Hon'''® Judges trouble ; that he came to the Barr 
with a just expectation of sustaining a more severe stroke 
of his Maj^'®^ Justice, than what the Judges in their leni- 
ty thought fitt to inflict upon him ; that your Excellency 
hath already to a great degree, obliged yo' poor petition- 
er by yo"" regard to him, which he doth and will from his 
heart ever with all thankfullness recognize ; and that he 
most humbly prayes of yo^ Excellency to consider his 
age, and the circumstances thereof, and the frankness of 
his confession, soe farr as to remitt the fine imposed on 
him ; and he shall be ever obliged to spend the remainder 
of his dayes in prayer for yo"" Exellencies prosperity. 

" John Pearson. 

''Rowley, October S, 16S7." 

Among the causes of complaint of the people of 
Massachusetts against Sir Edmond Andros, was his 
declaring the titles to their estates to be void, upon the 
vacating of the charter, and requiring them to take out 
new grants or titles at great expense. Few were willing 
to do this, and it does not appear, that more than one 



ANDROS'S USURPATION. 1(33 

person in Rowley submitted to it. He petitioned as 
follows. 

" To His Excellencye, S' Edmund Andros, Kn\ 
Captain Generall and Governour in cheife of his Ma*' 
Territory and Dominion of New England in America. 

" The humble petition of Philip Nelson, of Rowley, 
Esq., Sheweth, — That whereas yo"" petitioner stands 
truely seized of certain estate in the Town of Rowley 
aforesaid, consisting of a tenem*, containing a house, 
barn, orchard, and fourteen acres of upland, a certain 
tract of Arable Land of about six acres, and another of 
eight acres, as also fourteen acres of salt marsh, and five 
acres of fresh meadow, and also of three score and six 
acres of woodland in divers places, and a certain tenem'^, 
consisting of a Mill, and the houses and edifices thereto 
belonging, and land adjoinning thereto of about forty-six 
acres, the same tracts lying and being in the said Town 
of Rowley ; his title thereunto he is ready to lay before 
yo' Excellency. He therefore most humbly prays yo' 
Excellency, that he may be allowed a patent under the 
seal of this his Majesty's Dominion to confirm the said 
severall tracts of land and appurtenances under such 
Quitt Rent, as to yo"^ Excellency shall seem meet and 
he shall ever pray. 

" Philip Nelson." 

In 1687, Dr. Increase Mather went to England with 
an address of thanks from the ministers of the colony 
to James 11. for his Declaration of Indulgence, 

After the accession of the Prince of Orange to the 
throne, he presented a petition for the renewal of the 
charter, which is thus noticed by Cotton Mather in the 
" Remarkables." 



1(54 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

" The good Old Lord Wharton, whose memory ought 
forever to be precious to New England, went with Mr. 
Mather to wait on the Prince of Orange, at St. James's, 
and on January 9, [1689,] then presented the petition 
for it unto his Highness. That noble person, with a great 
zeal, told his Highness, That if he were sure to Dy the 
next Day^ he ivould^ as he now did this Day^ appear on 
behalf of New-England, and sollicit His favour to that 
Religious Country. He said^ That they were a Godly, 
Conscientious People-^ and there were Proportionably 
more Good Men in New-England, than in any part of 
the World. He said They did not Petition for JMoney^ 
nor for Souldiers^ nor any other succours under their 
heavy Difficulties ; but for their Ancient Privileges. 
His Highness replied, That His Purpose was to take 
the Best care he could about it ; and He would give or- 
der to his Secretary, Mr. Jephson ! concerning it. My 
Lord then carrying Mr. Mother to Mr. Jephson^ said 
Cousin, (for such he was,) Observe this Gentleman ; 
and ivhenever he comes to you, Receive him, as if 1 came 
myself^ 

The following is a copy of the petition : 

'' To the King William, and Queen Mary's Most Ex- 
cellent Maj^>'% the Humble petition of S' William 
Phipps, KnS and Increase Mather, Rector of the Col- 
ledge at Cambridge, in New-England, 

" Humbly Sheweth, That four Colonies in New-Eng- 
land, have had their charters, which did empower them 
to choose their own Rulers, by extraordinary wayes taken 
from them ; and S' Edmond Andross has been sent to 
govern them by an illegall Commission, that of late we 
hear that the Indians annimated by the French, are mak- 
ing Warr upon them ; and if that territory should be 



ANDROS'S USURPATION. I65 

lost, it would prove very prejudicial to the English Na- 
tion, and to the Protestant interest in general. There- 
fore as an effectual remedy against these evills ; We 
Humbly pray, that S"^ Edmond Andross may be removed 
from his government, in New-England. And that yor 
Maj^y^ will please by a letter under yo*" Maj^y^ hand and 
sign manuel, to declare that all their charters being re- 
stored to them, that they proceed in administrations of 
government as before any Qwo Warranios were issued 
against them. Also, that order may be given to the for- 
mer Governours in the several Colonies in New-England, 
to proclaim yo"^ Maj'y^ as King and Queen in that part 
of your dominions. 

" And your petitioners shall ever pray. 

" William Phipps, 
Increase Mather." 

On the morning of April 8, 1689, the people from 
the country came into Boston, and with those of Boston 
already in arms, proceeded to seize and imprison the 
Governor, and some of the members of his council, and 
other obnoxious persons, about fifty in all. They were 
seized at the Fort, on Fort Hill, to which Sir Edmond 
had repaired for protection. The former magistrates were 
restored. 

" June 6, 1689. The House of Representatives, Or- 
der, That S' Edmond Andros be forthwith removed to 
the Castle, and carefully kept and secured (till further 
order), by a sufficient guard, our honored Governor and 
assistants consenting hereunto. 

"Ebenezer Prout, 
" Clerk to the House of Representatives. 

*' Consented to by the Counsell June 6, 1689, 

" J". Addington, Cleric.''' 



1(56 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

June 11, 1689. The Court order fifty men, to be 
stationed at the castle. 

After the confinement of Sir Edmond Andros, many 
who had been imprisoned by him, petitioned for their 
liberty, and obtained it. 

After a short confinement at the castle, Andros makes 
his escape to Rhode Island, but the people there seize 
and imprison him, and deliver him up to the people of 
Massachusetts, who again imprison him ; soon after which 
he is recalled by the King. 

The people of Massachusetts Colony felt themselves 
very much aggrieved by the dissolution of their first char- 
ter. Their case, represented to the King as just before 
stated, having been referred to council, the opinion 
given upon it was as follows : 

" That a bare restitution of the charters, and espe- 
cially of Massachusetts, would be of no service at all ; as 
appears both from the charter itself and from the prac- 
tice of that Colony, who have hardly proved the terms 
thereof in any one instance. As to the Charier itself, 
that Colony, if they should have it, would want, 

"1st. A power to call a select assembly ; for there 
many thousand freemen have an equal right to sit in the 
assembly. 

" 2d. A power to lay taxes and raise money, especially 
on inhabitants not freemen, and strangers coming to trade 
there. 

" 3d. They have no Admiralty. 

"4th. They have no power to keep a prerogative 
court, to prove wills, &c. 

" 5th. Nor to erect Courts of Judicature, especially 
Chancery Courts." 

The old charter having been originally given to a com- 



NEW CHARTER. I57 

pany resident in England, all these things were provided 
for in the King's Courts, in England. 

Under the former charter, the freemen of Massachu- 
setts Colony elected their own Governor at a general 
meeting holden in Boston, on election day ; and each 
freeman had a charter right to sit in the General Assem- 
bly ; the practice however was, after a few years from 
the first settlement of Massachusetts, for each town to 
choose one or more Deputies. These Deputies were 
chosen anew for each session. 

After Sir Edmond Andros was deposed in 1689, 
Simon Bradstreet was elected President of the Colony ; 
and on the 6th day of May, in that year, the town of 
Rowley being called upon by said President and the 
Council, did assemble in town meeting, and made choice 
of Deacon John Pearson, Senior, and Quartermaster 
Daniel Wicom, to meet with said Council, and consult 
and advise with them, and the town, by a unanimous vote, 
instructed them to insist on the maintaining our charter 
privileges, and continuing an election day according to 
charter. 

In the early part of the year 1692, a new charter was 
received, and Sir William Phips was appointed Gover- 
nor.* On the 24ih day of May, in that year, O. S., the 
General Court, consisting of one hundred and fifty- 
seven members, first convened under this charter. The 
Deputies from Rowley, were Ezekiel Jewett and John 
Dresser. 

Sir William Phips found the province in a distressed 
condition ; Indian war was raging along the frontier set- 
tlements. The public mind, particularly in the County 
of Essex, was most dreadfully distracted by what has 

* Under this new Charier, the Governor was appointed hy the King-. 



158 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

been denominated the Salem Witchcraft. The trouble 
began in February, 1691-2, in the family of the Rev^ 
Samuel Paris, of Salem Village, now Danvers. A daugh- 
ter aged nine years, and a niece aged eleven, were the 
persons first afflicted. Their physician gave it as his 
opinion, that " they were under an evil hand.'''' These 
children accused a female Indian servant, named Tituba, 
of pinching, pricking, and tormenting them. The chil- 
dren said she was visible to them, when others could not 
see her, &c. Soon other persons complained of suffer- 
ing and others were accused. Complaints and accusa- 
tions continued to be made, not only in Salem, but in 
various other towns in Essex County. The courts of 
law were resorted to, and trial by jury was had, but these 
were found too inefficient to protect the persons and 
property of the people. 

June 2, 1692. A special commission of oyer and 
terminer having been issued out to Mr. Stoughton, the 
Lieutenant Governor, Major Saltonstall, Major Richards, 
Major Gidney, Mr. Wait Winthrop, Captain Sewall, 
and Mr. Sergeant, a quorum of whom sat at Salem this 
day. 

One Bishop, of Salem, was tried, brought in guilty, 
and executed the 10th. 

June 30. The Court again sat, when five more were 
tried, viz : Sarah Good and Rebecca Nurse, of Salem 
Village; Susannah Martin, of Amsbury ; Elizabeth 
How, of Ipswich; and Sarah Wildes, of Topsfield ; 
these were all condemned that session, and were all ex- 
ecuted on the 19th of July. 

August 5. The Court again sitting, six more were 
tried on the same account, viz. George Burroughs, 
sometime minister of Wells ; John Proctor, and Eliza- 
beth, his wife, with John Willard, of Salem Village ; 



\ 

WITCHCRAFT. 169 

George Jacobs, Senior, of Salem, and Martha Carrier, 
of Andover ; these were all brought in guilty, and con- 
demned ; and were all executed, August 19th, except 
Proctor's wife, who pleaded pregnancy. 

September 9. Six more were tried, and received 
sentence of death, viz. Martha Cory, of Salem Vil- 
lage ; JMary Easty, of Topsfield ; Alice Parker and 
Ann Pudeater, of Salem ; Dorcas Hoar, of Beverly ; 
and Mary Bradberry, of Salisbury. 

September 16. Giles Cory was pressed to death. He 
pleaded not guilty to his indictment, but would not put 
himself on trial by the jury, (they having cleared none 
upon trial,) and knowing there would be the same wit- 
nesses against him, rather chose to undergo what death 
they should put him to. He was the first in New Eng- 
land that was ever pressed to death. 

September 17. Nine more received sentence of death, 
viz. Margaret Scott, of Rowley ; Goodwife Reed, 
of Marblehead ; Samuel Ward well, Mary Lacy, Ann 
Foster, and Mary Parker, of Andover ; also Abigail 
Falkner, of Andover, who pleaded pregnancy ; Rebecca 
Eames, of Boxford ; and Abigail Hobbs, of Topsfield. 
Of these sentenced September 9th and 17th, eight were 
executed, September 22d, viz. Martha Cory, Mary 
Easty, Alice Parker, Ann Pudeator, Margaret Scott, 
William Reed, Samuel Ward well, and Mary Parker. 

The following are true copies of the indictments 
against Margaret Scott, and of the evidence upon which 
she was convicted, viz. 

" Indicim^ ag^* Margaret Scott, for bewitching Fran- 
ces Wijcomb. 

15 



170 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Essex in the Province 1 Anno RR' & Reginse Gulielmi 
of the Massachusetts I & Marise he"- Quarto An- 
Bay in New Engl'^ j noq; Domi 1692. 

ss. J 

*' The Jurors for our Sou® Lord and Lady the King 
and Queen doe Present That Margarett Scott, of Row- 
ley, Li the County of Essex, Widdow : Upon the fifth 
day of August Li the yeare aforesaid and divers other 
days and times as well before as after Certaine detesta- 
ble Arts Called Witchcraft and Sorceries Wickedly Mal- 
litiously and felloniously hath used practised and Exercised 
At and in the towne of Salem in the County aforesaid in 
upon and against one Frances Wijcomb, of Rowley, 
aforesaid Single Woman by which s*^ Wicked Acts the said 
Frances Wijcomb, y® day and yea^ aforesaid and divers 
other days and times both before and after was and is 
Tortured Afflicted Consumed Pined Wasted and Tor- 
mented, and also for sundry other Acts of Witchcraft by 
the said Margaret Scott, Committed and done before and 
since that time against the Peace of our Sou® Lord and 
Lady the King and Queen their Crowne and Dignity and 
the forme of the Stattute In that case made and Provided. 
Billa Vera. 

Ponet Se. 

" Indictm^ ag'^ Margarett Scott : for bewitching Mary 
Daniell. 
Essex in the Province 1 Anno RR^ & Reginse Guliel- 

of the Massachusetts mi h Mariae Angliae &c^ 

Bay in New England ^ Quarto Annoq ; Domini 
ss. J 1692. 

*' The Juriors for our Sou® Lord and Lady the King 



WITCMICRAFT. 171 

and Queen doe present That Margareit Scott of Rowley 
In the County of Essex Widdovv About the latter 
end of July or the begining of iVugust In the yeare 
aforesaid and divers other days and limes as well before 
as after Certain detestable arts called Witchcraft and 
Sorceries Wickedly Malhtiously and felloniously hath 
used practised and Exercised At and in the Towne of 
Rowley in the County of Essex aforesaid in upon and 
against one Mary Daniell of Rowley aforesaid Single 
Woman by which said Wicked Acts the said Mary 
Daniell y® day and yeare aforesaid and divers other days 
and times both before and after was and is Tortured 
Afflicted Consumed Pined Wasted and Tormented and 
also for Sundry other Acts of Witchcraft by the said 
Marg* Scott Comitted and done before and Since that 
time against the Peace of our Sou® Lord and Lady the 
King and Queen theire Crowne and Dignity and the 
forme of the Staitute in that case made and Provided. 
Billa Vera. 

Ponet Se. 

" Jn° Burbanke ) Dep° ags^ Margret Scott. 

Daniel Wycomb ^ 
the testymony of Daniell Wicom ayged aboue fifty years 
Who sayth that abought fine ore sixs years a go Margret 
Scot of Rovvlah came to my hous and asked me if she 
might gleane corne in my felld i towld hir she might if 
she woulld stay whilst my corne was ought of the feeld 
s'^ Scot s^ you will not get youer corne ought to night it 
may be i tould hir i would s'' Scot s'^ may be not : at that 
time my wife gaue s*^ Scot sum corne and then Scot 
went a way and presently after s'' Scot was gon i went 
with my cart and oxsen into the feeld for corne and when 



172 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

1 had lodid my cart i went to go home with my corne but 
the oxsen would not draw the cart any ways bout from 
home thof i wear not twenty Rod from my Door and i 
coulld not get any corne ought of my felld that day the 
next Day i touck the same oxsen and put them to the 
cart and the s^ cart and the same lode of corne they did 
draw a way with ease. 

Jurat in Curia. 

'' Capt. Dan" Wycom owned : y® above written evi- 
dence to : be y® truth before grand Inquest upon his oath 
Jn" : Burbank and Frances Wycom, attested : to : sub- 
stance of this above written : evidence :: as : that : s'^ Scott 
s*^ : it may be you will not gett : yo^ corn in to night 
therefor let me glean to night : and that y® oxen would 
not goe forward : but backward with y® load of corn : 
nor : y® corn : could : none of it be gott in that night : be- 
fore : s*^ Inquest : Sept^ : 15 : 1692. 

Sworne in Court also by John Burbanke. 

" The Deposition of Mary Daniel aged nineteen yeers 
or there ab^S s^^ Deponent testlfyeih y* upon y® 2d day 
of the week last past, towards night, I was suddenly 
taken very ill and went to lye down on a bed, soon after 
which there appeared to me the shape of some woman, 
who seemed to look and speak most fiercely and angrily, 
and beat, pinch'd and afflicted me very sorely telling me 
I should not have said so, or told such things and to yt 
purpose ; I cannot positively say whose shape it was y*^ 
I saw y® first fitt y^ next night after I was taken very ill 
again all over and felt a great pricking in y° soles of my 
feet, and after a while I saw apparently the shape of 
Margret Scot, who, as I was sitting in a chair by y« fire 



WITCHCRAFT. 173 

pulled me with y^ chair down backward to y*' ground, and 
tormented and pinched me very much and I saw her go 
away at y® door, in which fit I was dumb and so con- 
tinued till y® next morning, finding a great load and 
heaviness upon my tongue. In some of y*' fitts y* I had 
afterwards, I was senseless and knew not y^ I saw who 
it was y* afflicted me. In one fitt (upon y^ beginning of 
it) I thought I saw Goodw Jackson, and widow Scott 
come waking into the chamber with y^ staves, one of y" 
came and sat upon me so y* I could not stirr ; Goodw 
Jackson I saw no more, no know I y^ she did me any 
harm. In another filt I saw y^ appearance of s'^ Scott in 
y® room who afflicted me, and being speechless, I con- 
tinued so untill I went to y° s^ Scott, who taking me by 
y® hand, I had y^ liberty of speech again as formerly. 
The last fitt I had was upon y^ last Sabb^*" day, in which 
I saw y*^ shapes of four women or five, of whom widow 
Scott was one, y® rest I knew not, nor knew y* any did 
hurt me, unless s** widow Scott. 
'' Rowley August 4, 1692. 

'' Mary Daniell owned : y® truth of ye above written evi- 
dence to y® Jury of Inquest Sepf : 15 : 1692. 

" Mr. Edward Paisson Made Oath that Mary Daniell 
did declare as above is written. Attest, St : Sewall 
Cler in Court at Salem Sept' 16, '92. 

" Mary Waren : and Eliz. Hubbert both : Affirmed 
upon their oathes : that : they saw : Margret Scott : 
afflict Mary Daniell : of Rowley : before y® grand In- 
quest this they owned to : y« grand Inquest Sept' : 15 : 
1692. 

'' Mary Warin s'^ : s^ Scott hurt : her s^ Warin also : 
before : y^ grand Inquest. 
15* 



174 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

" Eliz. Hubbert sayd that Margret Scott : afflicted her : 
before y'' grand Inquest : Sepf : y° : 15 : 1692. 

Jurat in Curia. 

"An : Putnam : and Mary Warin affirmed to y^ grand 
Inquest : that : they saw Margret : Scott : afflict : Fran- 
ces Wycom : in presence of y'' grand Inquest : Sept' : 
15 : 1692 upon their othes also y* s^ Scott : afflicted : 
s^ Frances Wycom : before in Salem. 

Jurat in Curia by Ma. Warrin. 

" The Deposition of Thomas Nellson, whosaiih, that, 
about six yeares ago the last winter, Margaret Scot, of 
Rowley, widow, desired me to bring her some wood, 
and spake to me seuerall times for wood, and I told 
her, that I owed her ten shillings and I would bring her 
wood for it, and she was not willing to set of that. 
Earnest she was for me to bring her wood : denied her ; 
soon after this one of my cattell was dead in the stantiall, 
and stood up on his hind feet, and kneeled on his knees 
[afore], and little after this another of my cattell was ded 
in the yard, his neck under a plank at the barn side as 
if he were chok'd ; and after this, and ever since, had 
hard thoughts of this woman and my neighbours told me, 
something more then ordinery that my cattell died so. 
And I do uerily believe that she is a witch. 

" Tho: Nelson, one ofy^ Grand Inquest gave in this 
evidence to y° grand Inquest, September 15, 1692. 

Jurat in Curia. 

" The Deposition of Sarah Coalman, who saith, about 
the fiuetenth of August last past that she was tormented 
three or four times by Marget Scot, of Rowly, or her 



WITCHCRAFT. 175 

apearance, by pricking, pinching, and choaking of me, 
and I do uerily believe that she is a wilch. 

" Saiah Coleman affirmed before y® Grand Inquest, 
that the above written Evidence is truth, vppon her oath 
15th September, 1692. 

'' Phillip Nelson and Sarah, his wife, doe testifie and 
say, that, for two or three years before Robert Shilleto 
dyed, we have often heard him complaining of Margaret 
Scott for hurting of him, and often said that she was a 
witch, and so he continued complaining of Margaret 
Scott, saying he should never be well so long as Mar- 
garet Scott lived, and so he complained of Margaret 
Scott all times untill he dyed. 

" Phillip Nelson and Sarah, his wife, affirmed, upon 
their oath, to y^ Grand Inquest, that y^ above written 
evidence is the truth. September 15, 1692. 

Jurat in Curia. 

^'The deposission of Frances Wycom, who testifieth 
and saith, that, quickly after the first Court at Salem 
about witchcraft, Margerit Scott, whom I very well knew, 
or her appearance, came to me and did most grievously 
torment me by choaking and alsmost presing me to death ; 
and so she did continue afflicting me by times till the 
5th August, 1692, being the day of her examination; 
also, during the time of her examination, Margret Scott 
did most grievously afflict me ; and also several times 
sence ; and I believe in my heart, that Margret Scott is 
a wich, and that she has often afflicted me by acts of 
wichcrafi. 

" Frances Wycom owned to y^ Grand Inquest, that 
the above written evidence is the truth upon oath. Sep- 
tember 15th, 1692. Jurat in Curia.^^ 



176 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

On the 27ih of September, 1692, John Shepard, of 
Rowley, was bound over to Court for assisting to convey 
Mary Green, of Haverhill, a prisoner, charged with 
witchcraft, out of Ipswich jail. 

January 3 to 11, 1692-3. Several persons were 
tried for witchcraft. Elizabeth Johnson, of Andover, 
and Mary Post, of Rowley, were brought in guilty. 

The following is a true copy of such papers found, as 
relate to the trial of Mary Post. 

''Mary Post, of Rowley, in the County of Essex, 
single woman, being indicted by the Jurors for our Sov- 
eralgne Lord and Lady, the King and Queen, upon their 
oathes, by two several indictments, that is to say, 1st, 
" For that shee, the said Mary Post, of Rowley, in 
the County of Essex, single woman, about three years 
agoe, in the town of Rowley aforesaid, wickedly, ma- 
litiously, and felloniously, a covenant with the Devill did 
make, and signed the Devill's book, and was baptized 
by the Devill, and renounced her former Christian bap- 
tisme, by which diabolicall covenant, with the Devill 
made, shee, the said Mary Post, is become a detestable 
witch, contrary to the peace of our Soveraigne Lord 
and Lady, the King and Queen, their crowne and dig- 
nity, and the lawes in that case made and provided. 

"2nd. For that shee, the said Mary Post, of Rowley, 
single woman, sometime in the month of July last, in 
the year 1692 aforesaid, and divers other dayes and 
times, as well before as after, certain detestable arts, 
called witchcrafts and sorceries, wickedly, malitiously, 
and felloniously, hath used, practised, and exercised, at 
and in the town of Andover, in the County of Essex 
aforesaid, upon and against one Timothy Swan, of An- 
dover aforesaid, by which said wicked arts the said 



WITCHCRAFT. 177 

Timothy Swan, the day and year aforesaid, and divers 
other dayes and times, as well before as after, was and 
is tortured, afflicted, tormented, consumed, pined, and 
wasted, against the peace of our Soveraigne Lord and 
Lady, the King and Queen, their crowne and dignity, 
and against the lawes in that case made and provided. 

" Upon the aforesaid indictments, and each of them, 
the said Mary Post was, then and there, before the Jus- 
tices of our Lord and Lady, the King and Queen afore- 
said, arraigned, and, upon her arraignment, did, then and 
there, the day and year aforesaid, plead to them and each 
of them, not guilty, and put herself upon trial by God 
and her country. 

" A jury being called, Benayah Titcomb, Foreman, 
John Witt, Joseph Little, John Pickard, of [Rowley,] 
Edmund Gale, John Emerson, John Ordway, John Ab- 
by, Seth Story, John Hall, Nathanael Emerson, and 
Eleazer Gyles, and accordingl}^ sworn, no exception 
being made by the prisoner, the said indictments, and 
each of them, being read, together with evidences and 
examinations, and the prisoner's defence being heard, 
the jury went out to agree on their verdict, who, re- 
turning, did then and there, in open Court, deliver their 
verdict, that the said Mary Post was guilty of covenant- 
ing with the Devill, for which she stood indicted in the 
second indictment. 

" The Court ordered the keeper of the Goale to take 
care of the prisoner according to law." 

She soon after this received sentence of death, but 
was finally reprieved. 

On the second Tuesday of May, 1693, the Court sits 
at Ipswich. They try and clear several persons ac- 
cused of witchcraft. Soon after this, the Governor or- 



178 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

dered all others accused of witchcraft, and not tried, 
to be discharged. And here ended the dreadful infatu- 
ations, which had possessed the minds of many in the 
county of Essex. 

Twenty had been put to death, eleven others con- 
demned for witchcraft, and more than fifty had con- 
fessed themselves guilty, most of whom made recanta- 
tions of their confessions, saying, that the confessions 
they had made they were frightened into, and that they 
were not true. 

Many at that time seemed to believe, that the witches 
actually signed a material book, presented to them by the 
devil, and were baptized by him, in which ceremony the 
devil used these words ; " Thou art mine, and I have a 
full power over thee ! " " Afterwards communicating 
in an hellish bread and wine^ administered unto them by 
the devil." This was denominated a witch sacrament. 
To which communions, the witches were supposed to 
meet upon the banks of Merrimack River, riding there 
upon poles through the air. 

INDIAN HOSTILITIES AND MILITARY AFFAIRS. 
September 1, 1642. By warrant to Ipswich, Row- 
ley, and Newbury, to disarm Passaconamy, who lived 
near Merrimack River, they sent forth forty men, armed, 
the next day, it being Lord's day. But it rained all 
day, as it had done divers days before, and also after ; 
so as they could not go to his wigwam, but they came 
to his son's, and took him, which they had warrant for. 
They, fearing the son's escape, led him in a line ; but 
Ae, taking an opportunity, slipped his line, and escaped 
from them. The warrant was issued because there was 
suspicion of a general conspiracy of Indians against the 



INDIAN HOSTILITIES. 179 

English. Each soldier received one shilling per day, 
(Lord's day included, on account of the extremity of 
the weather,) and the officers double. They were out 
three days. — Winthrop. 

Artillery Company. 

In 1645, on the petition of Simon Bradstieet, Cap- 
tain, Daniel Denison, Ensign, John Whittingham, of 
Ipswich, Lieutenant, Edmund Greenleaf, of Newbury, 
and John Remmington, of Rowley, and others, a compa- 
ny, composed of persons belonging to said towns, with 
some of Salisbury and Hampton, are incorporated to 
improve in military tactics. This company was similar 
to the one granted to Boston in 1638, called the An- 
cient and Honorable Artillery Company. 

It being reported, in August, 1653, that large num- 
bers of Indians were assembled at Piscataqua, General 
Denison ordered twenty-seven men from Ipswich and 
Rowley, as a scouting party, to discover whether the 
report was true or not. This detachment was gone 
from Friday morning to Monday night. Each private 
was allowed Is., the sergeant 2s, ^ and each of the two 
troopers 2s. 6d. per day. 

1673. The Court appointed Mr. Samuel Brockle- 
bank Captain, Philip Nelson Lieutenant, Sergeant John 
Johnson Ensign, of the Rowley foot company. 

The records of the town do not show, that many of 
its inhabitants were called to leave their homes, and con- 
tend in Indian warfare, until after the commencement of 
what was called " Philip's War," in 1675. 

This celebrated King Philip had had his winter resi- 
dence at a place called Mount Hope, in Bristol, Rhode 
Island, about fifteen miles south of Providence. During 



180 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

the hunting season he had his residence beside a pond 
in Raynham, Bristol county, Massachusetts, and the 
people now point out the spot where the house stood. 
With the exception of a few slight difficulties, the 
English had enjoyed peace with the Indians since the 
Pequots (of Connecticut) were, in 1638, completely 
conquered and destroyed. During the year 1674, John 
Sassaman, an Indian, who had been instructed in Eng- 
lish by the celebrated Indian apostle. Rev. John Eliot, 
-informed the Governor of Plymouth Colony of some of 
Philip's plots against the English, which so enraged him 
that he sought his death. In the winter of 1674-5, 
Sassaman was met on Assawamset Pond by some of 
Philip's men, killed, and put under the ice. Not con- 
cealing his hat and gun, they were soon found, as was 
his body, on which were marks, that indicated he was 
murdered. An Indian soon appeared, who saw some 
of Philip's men execute the bloody deed. They were 
humediately apprehended, tried at the Court at Plymouth, 
in June, 1675, by a jury, consisting of an equal num- 
ber of Indians and English, found guilty, and hung. 
Philip, becoming more enraged, commenced hostilities 
upon some English families living in the vicinity of his 
own dwelling. Having destroyed them, he went, with 
his armed men, to Swanzey, about eleven miles from 
Mount Hope, June 24, (the day the Colony of Ply- 
mouth observed as a day of humiliation and prayer,) lay 
in ambush, and fired upon the people as they were re- 
turning from public worship, killed seven, and wounded 
as many more. A company of foot and horse from 
Boston, and foot from Plymouth, were immediately sent 
to assist the English. They arrived at Philip's camp 
in the evening, and set a guard of twelve men, who 



INDIAN HOSTILITIES. 131 

were fired upon, one being killed and another wounded. 
Next morning, an assault being made by the English, 
the Indians were discomfited and fled. 

The Massachusetts troops marched into the country 
of the Narragansets, to renew the treaty with them, suc- 
ceeding, and engaging them not to join in the war with 
Philip, returned home. 

Philip fled to the Nipmuck Indians, in what is now 
Worcester County, Massachusetts, who were persuaded 
to assist him. Philip's influence was great over many 
of the native tribes. 

July 10, the Indians visited Mendon, in Worcester 
County, and put to death five of its inhabitants. This 
proved to be the signal for a severe contest. Danger 
produced union among the Northern Colonies, and bound 
them together by the cord of self-preservation. The 
war was distressing, but not of long duration. During 
the remaining part of this year (1675), it was very much 
confined to the county of Worcester. Towards the 
close of the year, Philip visited Canada, and during his 
absence the Indians remained, for the most part, inac- 
tive, but on his return the work of torture and death was 
again resumed. 

John Leverett, being Governor, with the Honorable 
Council, sent their warrants to commanding officers of 
the militia, requiring them to impress men for the war. 
The following is a copy of the original return made in 
obedience to the warrant sent to Rowley, viz. 

" To the Honoured Gouernor and Counsel, 

" This may certifie that we have impress'd twelve 

men according to our warrant, and have given them 

charge to fit themsellves well with warm clothing, and 

we hope they will and doe endeavour to fixe themsellves 

16 



182 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

as well as they can ; only some of them are men that 
are but latly come to town, and want arms, the which to 
provide for them we must prese other men's armes, 
which is very grievous, (except they can be provided 
for upon the country's account, which would be very ac- 
ceptable if it could be.) 

" The names of the men are, 

John Hobkinson, John Lighton, 

John Stickney, Caleb Jackson, 

Joseph Jewett, William Brown, 

Thomas Palmer, Samuel Tiller, 

John Jackson, Joseph Bixbie, 

Steuen Mighill, Simon Gawin. 

" Dated Roivley, 29th of November, 1675, 

by me, Samuel Brocklebank, Capt." 
At what time the aforenamed Captain Brocklebank 
with his men entered the service, is not known, other- 
wise than by a letter of Major Daniel Denison, of Ips- 
wich, to the Honorable Council, March 27, 1676, O. S., 
in which he says, 

" Yesterday I received a letter from Captain Brock- 
lebank, at Marlborough, signifying his desire of being 
dismissed with his company. The reasons he alleges 
are their necessities and wants, having been in the 
country's service euer since the first of January at Nar- 
riganset ; and, within one week after their return, were 
sent out again, having neither time nor money (save a 
fortnight's pay upon their march) to recruit themselves. 
" 2d. He says they do little service where they are, 
and he understands the inhabitants are called off by the 
Council." 

When Captain Brocklebank wrote to Major Denison, 
expressing a desire to be dismissed, saying they did 



INDIAN HOSTILITIES. 183 

little service where they were, &c. he probably had very 
little expectation, that the Indians would so soon make 
such horrid desolations about him. The day previous 
to the date of Major Denison's letter, Captain Brockle- 
bank writes to the Council a letter, of which the follow- 
ing is a copy. 

" Marlborough, 26 0/ 1 : 1676. 
" Much Honoured Sirs, 
^' After the duty I owe unto your Honours, this may 
let you understand, that the assault the enemy made 
upon the town of Marlborough, upon Sabbath day, did 
much damage, as the inhabitants say, to the burning of 
sixteen dwelling-houses, besides about thirteen barns ; 
and seemingly [they] did endeavour to draw out the 
men out of the garrisons, but we, not knowing their num- 
bers, and our having charge of the country's ammunission 
and provisions, ders not goe out. Then, on Sabbath 
day night, there came about twenty men from Sudbury, 
and we, out of the several garrisons, drew out about 
twenty more, and in the night they went out to see if they 
could discover the enemy, and give them some check 
in their proceedings, who found them laid by their fires, 
and fired upon them, and they run away ; but their num- 
ber being few, and not knowing the number of the ene- 
my, but apprehending by their noyse and fireing at them, 
they endeavoured to compas them in, they returned 
home without any lose of any man or wound from the 
enemie ; only one of my men by the breaking of his gun, 
his hand is sorely shattered, which, for want of help 
here, I have sent to Charlestown or elsewhere in the 
Bay, where your Honours may think best for his help. 
We have great cause to acknowledge the goodness of 
God towards us, for his gracious preservation of us. 



184 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

The enemie is gone off at the present, as we apprehend 
by the scouts that went out yesterday. The which we 
may expect, ere long, will follow us with greater strength 
and rage by reason of the hrea'kfast * that they had on 
Monday morning. The scouts found only one Indian 
dead. Thus, in brief, your Honours will understand 
how it is with us. 

" From him who is your Honours' Servant, 

" Samuel Brocklebank. 
" To the Council." 

Philip, with his warriors, having been routed from 
his kenneling place at the falls of Connecticut River, 
in Montague, by Captain Turner, who came upon him by 
night, killing some, and driving many more into the river, 
who were carried down the falls and drowned. Philip, 
crossing the river, meets with the remnants, a numerous 
body of the Narraganset and Nipmuck Indians, at Wa- 
chusett Hills, in Princeton. After having organized, 
they made their descent on Sudbury and the adjoining 
towns, where they met with and destroyed the brave 
Captain Brocklebank and a part of his company, and the 
valiant Captain Wadsworth and his daring band. At 
what time Captain Brocklebank left Marlborough is not 
known. Captain Wadsworth was sent from Boston with 
fifty men to relieve Marlborough. After marching to 
that place, he was informed, that the enemy had gone 
toward Sudbury, and, without stopping to take rest, 
(leaving at Marlborough several of his soldiers, who were 
unable to continue their march,) he pursued them. On 



* Alluding to the attack of the forty men, made upon the Indians 
before daylight on Monday morning. 



INDIAN HOSTILITIES. 185 

coming near tlie town, and being joined by Captain 
Brocklebank, a party of the enemy were discovered, and 
pursued about one mile into the woods, when, on a sud- 
den, they were surrounded on all sides by five hundred 
Indians, as was judged. No chance of escape appeared. 
This little band of brave men now resolved to fight to 
the last man. They gained an eminence, which they 
maintained for some time. At length, night approach- 
ing, they began to scatter, which gave the enemy the 
advantage, and nearly every one was slain. This was 
a dreadful blow to the country. Drake says it is not 
certain that any escaped. 

About 1730, the Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth, who 
had been minister of the first church in Boston, and was 
President of Harvard College from 1725 to 1737, a 
son of the said Captain S. Wadsworth, with the assis- 
tance perhaps of others, caused to be erected a monu- 
ment where this battle was fought, with this inscription. 

" Capt. SAMUEL WADSWORTH of 
MILTON, His Lieut SHARP of 
BROOKLIN, Capt. BROCKLEBANK, of 
ROWLEY, with about 
Twenty-six other Sould'^^ 
Fighting for the defence of 
Their COUNTRY, Were Slain, 
By y® Indian Enemy April ISth, 
1676, & lye Buried in this place." 

The number of men slain on that melancholy day, 
was doubtless much larger than that buried beneath the 
monument, according to the inscription. The exact 
number engaged in the battle and slain, cannot be ascer- 
tained. The probability, however, is, that about fifty men 
were in that battle, and were slain. The following extract 
16* 



186 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

from a private journal of the first Chief Justice Samuel 
Sewall, who resided in Boston, (it is believed,) at the 
time of the battle, goes to strengthen this probability. 

" Nota bene. Friday about 3 in the afternoon, 
Capt. Wadsworth and Capt. Brocklebank fall. Almost 
an hundred, since I hear about fifty men slain, three 
miles off Sudbury. Y® s*^ Town burned, garrison hous- 
es excepted." 

This is under date of April 21, 1676. 

If this battle took place on Friday, as Judge Sewall 
states, and probably he is right, then it could not have 
been on the ISih of April, but was on the 21st. The 
18th of April, 1676, was Tuesday. 

The date, (April 22,) of Lieutenant Jacobs's follow- 
ing letter to the Governor and Council, renders it highly 
probable that the battle happened on the 21st, and not on 
the 18th. The distance from Sudbury to Marlborough, 
being but about ten miles. Lieutenant Jacobs was likely 
to hear of the battle in much less time than four days. 

Previous to the arrival of Captain Wadsworth from 
Boston, Captain Brocklebank with a part of his company, 
(a part having been left at Marlborough, under command 
of Lieutenant Jacobs,) was doubtless occupying the gar- 
rison at Sudbury. As the garrisoned houses were not 
burned, we have reason to suppose a part of his men 
remained in them during the battle, to protect their con- 
tents. This supposition is strengthened by reference to 
the records of Rowley, which show a majority of those 
twelve men who went from Rowley were not slain, but 
returned and lived years after. 

Their names are as follows ; 
John Hopkinson, son of Michael, born 1647 ; had four 
children, born from 1673 to 1683. 



INDIAN HOSTILITIES. 



187 



John Stickney, son of William, born 1641 ; had five 

children, born from 1681 to 1692. 
Joseph Jewett, son of Joseph, born 1656 ; had several 

children, all born after the battle. 
Thomas Palmer, son of Thomas, born 1650 ; had two 

children born after the battle. 
Stephen IMighill, son of Thomas, born 1652 ; had three 

children born after the battle. 
John Leighton, son of Richard, born 1652 ; had two 

children born after the battle. 
Caleb Jackson, son of Nicholas, born 1652 ; had four 

children born after the battle. 
It is not known what became of the remaining five, 
viz. John Jackson, William Brown, Samuel Tiller, 
Joseph Bixbie, and Simon Gawin ; doubtless some of 
them were slain, perhaps all. 

Lieutenant Richard Jacobs, (probably an Ipswich 
man, (stationed at Marlborough at the time Captain 
Brocklebank was slain, writes, April 22, 1676, to the 
Governor and Council as follows, viz. 

" This morning about sun two hours high, the ene- 
mie alarmed us, by fireing and shooting towards the low- 
ermost garrison next to Sudbury, which made us fear 
that garrison to be in danger, which shooting we after- 
ward understood was the enemie killing off the cattle ; 
soon after they gave a shout, and came in sight upon the 
Indian Hill great numbers of them, and one as their ac- 
customed manner is after a fight, began to signifiy to us 
how many were slain, they Cohooped seventy-four times, 
which we hoped was only to afl^right us, seeing we have 
had no intelligence of any such thing. Yet we have 
reason to fear the worst, considering their numbers which 
have been apprehended to be 500 at the least, others 



188 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

think 1,000, the most of them hastened toward the 
N. W. side of the town, fireing the remainder of the 
garrison houses, and others that were deserted, as they 
went, they have been hunting in all quarters of the 
town, to kill and take what cattle was without command 
of the four garrisons, that yet remained. Several of the 
furthermost houses of this town, next to Sudbury, have 
been fired now toward night, which gives reason to think 
that the enemie is not yet departed from us. Thus I 
thought it my duty to give a brief account of the pres- 
ent proceedings of the enemie, to your Honors &c. 

" Richard Jacobs." 

The following is a copy of a letter from the same to 
the same, 

"Marlborough, 24 April, 1676. 
" Honored Sirs, 

" Having now received information of God's further 
frowns on the Country, in suffering two such worthy 
Captains to fall before the enemie, whome we might have 
hop't to have bin instruments of more good in these 
troubleous times, but in this God's will is done. 

" Receiving an order from your Honors, wherein your 
Honors are pleased to double the charge and betrust- 
ment of our late Capt. Brocklebank upon me, for 
which I am sensable of my insufficiency and incapacity. 
Yet, since it is your Honors' pleasure, to require me to 
certifie your Honors of the state of the Soldery and of 
the place, that I shall readily. Here is remaining of our 
company about fourty-six, several whereof are young sol- 
diers left here by Capt. Wadsworth, being unable to 
march ; the town is wholly consumed except four gar- 
risons that were man'd, when the enemie was last with us. 
All the catde without reach of the garrisons are lost. 



INDIAN HOSTILITIES. 189 

One of the garrison houses which was judged to be 
most fit by our captain, who your honors did appoint to 
order according to his discretion for a stated garrison, is 
now burnt, by reason of the inhabitants not attending 
thereunto, every one being careful to secure his private 
interest ; here is only remaining, these two houses where 
the magazene lyes, that are in a capacity to assist each 
other, the other two lying att a greater distance, with oth- 
er inconveniencies ; may it please your honors further to 
consider of the state of our company, being generally 
such as live upon husbandry, and seed time bein'^ now 
far spent, which may be prejudicial to ourselves and oth 
ers, if the season be slipt ; but I shall leave that to your 
honors consideration, only begging pardon for my bould- 
ness, I rest your servant to my utmost ability. 

" Richard Jacobs. 

" Postscript. Some of the principal Townsmen in the 
behalf of the rest y^ are yet remaining, which are but 
few, would desire your honors to consider their present 
condition being alltogether uncapable for removing with- 
out assistance both with carts and guard, they are desti- 
tute of carts, theirs being at Sudbury and not dareing to 
remain. About twenty carts they think will be necessa- 
ry for the removing of their goods, if your honors see 
meet to grant it, or otherwise willing to refer their case to 
your Honors' further consideration." 

The aforenamed Captain Brocklebank was at the time 
of his death forty-six years of age ; left a widow and six 
children, viz. Samuel, Hannah, Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah, 
and Joseph. His descendants are still living in Rowley, 
and other towns in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ver- 
mont, and Maine. The present Deacon Samuel Brock- 



X90 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

lebank, of Georgetown, (late a part of Rowley,) and 
Nathan Brocklebank, of Rowley, are direct descendants 
in the sixth generation. The first from the eldest son 
Samuel, and the other, from the younger son Joseph. 

This was a distressing time in New England. The 
people all over the country had been in a constant state 
of alarm and terror, for two months or more next prece- 
ding the unhappy event of Sudbury. The enemy had 
been making dreadful havoc, in different and distant 
places. 

On the 10th of February, several hundreds of them 
fell upon Lancaster, plundered and burned a great part 
of the town, and killed or captured about forty persons. 
Mrs. Rowlandson, the minister's wife, was among the 
captives. 

Feb. 21. Nearly half the town of Medfield was burnt. 

Feb. 25. Seven or eight buildings were burnt at 
Weymouth. 

March 13. Groton was wholly destroyed, except 
four garrisoned houses. 

March 17. Every house, except one, was burnt in 
Warwick. 

March 26. Marlborough was nearly all destroyed, ex- 
cept the garrisoned houses. 

The same day Captain Pierce, of Scituate, with fifty 
English, and twenty friendly Indians, was cut off, near 
Providence. 

March 28. Forty houses and thirty barns were burnt 
at Rehoboth. 

March 29. About thirty houses were burnt at Provi- 
dence. 

Thus town after town was destroyed by the Indians. 

All was fear and consternation. Few there were, who 



INDIAN HOSTILITIES. 191 

were not in mourning for some near kindred, and nothing 
but horror stared them in the face. But the affairs of 
Philip are soon to decline. — Drake. 

The blood of the innocent will cry to heaven for 
vengeance. 

After the important defeat of the English (roops at 
Sudbury, where the spirits of the hostile Indians became 
remarkably elevated by their success, it was observed, 
that they became dispirited, and lost ground in all their 
following attempts, till the death of Philip, August 12, 
1676. He was shot in a swamp near Mount Hope, by 
a friendly Indian. After Philip was shot, Captain Church 
despatched him with a sword ; that sword is now in the 
historical rooms in Boston, the blade of which is little 
more than two feet in length. 

Philip's death gave a finishing stroke to the war. 

History informs us, that the Rev. John Eliot, (the In- 
dian apostle,) had in vain labored for the conversion of 
Philip and his tribe, (the Wampanoags.) He declared 
to the missionary, when endeavouring to persuade him to 
embrace Christianity, that " he cared no more for the 
gospel than for the button of his coat." 

The Rev. John Eliot, who was the second ordained 
minister of Roxbury, after having learned the Indian lan- 
guage, commenced preaching the gospel to them, about 
the year 1646, at a place called Nonantum, now Newton. 
His success among them had a happy tendency to pro- 
long the peace and quiet of the country, in its early set- 
tlement. His labors were widely extended among the 
various Indian tribes, and abundantly blessed. The at- 
tachment of the praying Indians to the English was 
strong. From the danger to which the Massachusetts 
and Plymouth Colonies were exposed by the war of 



192 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Philip, there Is reason to beheve, (says a former 
writer,) that, had all the Indians, within their boundaries, 
remained uncivilized and unchristianized, and united against 
the English with the spirit which animated Philip and 
the warriors of his period and party, they would prob- 
ably have compelled our fathers utterly to have relin- 
quished the country. 

The Rev. Perez Fobes, LL. D., in his description 
of Raynham, written in 1793, informs us, that a family 
of Leonards settled in that town in 1652. Philip and 
these Leonards long lived in good neighbourhood, and 
such was Philip's friendship, that, as soon as the war 
broke out, he gave strict orders to all his Indians never 
to hurt the Leonards. During the war, two houses near 
Leonard's Forge, were constantly garrisoned. The 
houses were standing in 1793. One of them was built 
by James Leonard long before Philip's war, and was 
still remaining, in its original gothic form, and inhabited 
by Leonards of the«sixth generation. 

In the cellar under this house was deposited, for a 
considerable time, the head of King Philip. It seems, 
that even Philip himself shared the fate of kings. He 
was beheaded, and his head carried about and shown as 
a curiosity, by Alderman, the Indian who shot him. 

From the close of Philip's war, in 1676, it does not 
appear, by the records of the town, that any of its in- 
habitants were again called to engage in Indian warfare 
till about the year 1690. 

In 1688, an Indian war broke out in New England. 
The first blood was shed at North Yarmouth in Sep- 
tember. Soon after its commencement, Rowley was 
called upon to furnish men for a guard at Haverhill. 

In the spring of 1689, the Penecook Indians joined 



EASTERN INDIANS. lf,3 

those of Saco, and made great slaughter among the 
English, in the frontier settlements in the counties of 
York, Cumberland, and Lincoln, in Maine. This year 
Rowley furnished a number of men for the defence of 
Cocheco, (Dover.) (Their names cannot be ascer- 
tained.) 

July 22. Captain Moses Bradstreet, and Lieutenant 
John Trumble, petitioned the Governor and Council for 
leave to withdraw some of the Rowley men from the 
guard at Haverhill, one in a week, or two in a fortnight, 
"supplying their places with other men. This they ask 
for on account of the busy season of the year. 

They also petitioned to have the Rowley men, who 
went out with Major Appleton (of Ipswich), and who 
are now stationed in the several garrisons at Cocheco, 
(Dover,) and other places in that vicinity, sent home. 
They represent Rowley as being more hardly dealt with 
than Newbury or Ipswich, as their men have all been 
permitted to return home before haying. 

August 16. The Court order six hundred men to 
be impressed for the war ; the two regiments in Essex 
County were to furnish two hundred and two men. 

Captain Thomas Noyes, of Newbury, commanded the 
company to which the Rowley men belonged. The 
number of Rowley men impressed is not known ; but ii 
is supposed their proportion would be from ten ta- 
twelve. 

In August the Indians took the fort at Pemaquid, 
(in Lincoln County, Maine.) So great was the public 
alarm, that the people around retired to Falmouth for 
greater safety. This summer, Major Church, with a 
party of English and friendly Indians from Plymouth 
Colony, marched to the eastward. Some of these 
17 



194 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

friendly Indians, as was afterwards discovered, had an 
interview with the hostile natives, and gave them all the 
information of which they were possessed. Casco was 
assaulted by the Indians. C-aptain Bracket and ten or 
twelve others were killed ; and, after an engagement 
of several hours, the enemy fled. 

In November the troops were dismissed, except such 
as remained in the garrisons at Wells, York, Berwick, 
and Cocheco, 

In the spring of 1690, the French and Indians came 
down upon the inhabitants about Salmon Falls, burnt 
many houses, killed about thirty of the English, and took 
about fifty prisoners. Among them was one Robert 
Rogers, who, on the way to Canada, endeavoured to 
escape but, being overtaken, he was stripped, beaten, 
tied to a tree, and burnt alive. 

As the French were considered the instigators of the 
Indians in their bloody attacks, it was thought important 
for the peace of New England, that they should be at- 
tacked within their own territory. Therefore exertions 
were made for an expedition against Canada. The first 
object was to subdue Nova Scotia. 

Sir William Phips, having received the command, 
sailed from New England, (April 28, 1690,) with a force 
of about seven hundred men, and arrived in about four- 
teen days at Port Royal. The fort surrendered, and he 
took possession of the Province for the Crown of Eng- 
land. Returning, much elated by his success, he sailed 
again in August, with a fleet of thirty-two ships and other 
vessels, with about two thousand men, and four months' 
provision, ammunition, &c. Having no pilot, they were 
a long time ascending the river, and did not arrive before 
Quebec till the 5th of October. They landed about 



CANADA EXPEDITION. I95 

twelve hundred men, and six field-pieces, weighing about 
eight hundred pounds each. These were landed about 
two miles below the town, upon a beach, near which was a 
swamp overgrown with wood, where lay about six hundred 
French, who opposed the landing of the troops. A 
skirmisli ensued ; the French were routed ; five of the 
New England troops were killed, and about twenty- 
wounded. Owing to the marshy state of the ground, the 
field-pieces were of little use. One of them finally fell into 
the enemy's hands, and the others were again put on board 
ship. The men that were landed endured great hard- 
ships, it being very cold weather, and they having noth- 
ing but the ground for their lodging, without any cov- 
ering. 

Sir William spent almost all his ammunition in firing 
against the town, or, as some said, against the rocks of 
Quebec, and then slipped his cable and fell down, and 
the other vessels followed, taking on board the troops 
which had been landed, and were by stress of weather 
forced out of the river to sea and dispersed ; and some 
of the vessels, by reason of the sickness of the crews, 
were very much disabled ; and those that arrived lost, 
some half, and others more, of their men, by small-pox 
and fever. In their return, one of their ships was burnt 
by accident, and twelve men lost ; two others cast away, 
the men saved. Some were driven off to Barbadoes, 
and some were never heard of. 

After the return of those vessels to Boston, which 
survived the dangers of the sea, many of the men died 
of the small-pox and fever. It was estimated, that 
about one thousand of the men engaged in this expe- 
dition died in one way and another. A general gloom 
spread over the country. 



196 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

This expedition brought the Colony of Massachusetts 
Bay above £ 50,000 in debt, for the payment of which 
the General Court laid grievous taxes upon the inhab- 
itants, which they forced from those who refused to pay. 
And to satisfy the clamors of the soldiers and sailors, 
of whom most were pressed and sent into this service, 
they made a law dated December 10, 1690, appointing 
a committee of five persons, who should be empowered 
to issue printed bills of credit, (none to be under 5s. 
nor exceed the sum of £ 5.) With these, some of the 
soldiers and seamen were paid, and the Colony was en- 
gaged to satisfy the value as the treasury should be ena- 
bled. But they would not pass in trade between mars 
and man, nor could the soldiers and seamen get for them 
more than half their nominal value except in paying 
rates.* The form of these bills was as follows, viz^ 

No. (2161.) 10 S. 

This Indented Bill of Ten Shillings, due from the 
Massachusetts Colony to the possessor, shall be in value 
equal to money, and shall be accordingly accepted by 
the Treasurer and Receivers subordinate to him, in all 
public payments, and for any stock at any time in the 
Treasury. — Boston in New England, December the 
10th, 1690. 

By order of the General Court. 

Penn Townsend, 
Adam Winthrop, 5> Com'tee. 
Tim. Thornton, 
[L. S.] 



"A 



The whole was not assessed in one year. In 1691, the whole 



CANADA EXPEDITION. I97 

This was the first issue of bills authorized by the 
General Court of Massachusetts Colony.* 

The number of men who went from Rowley, in the 
expedition against Port Royal, is not known. 

In the expedition against Quebec, Rowley furnished 
one captain, one lieutenant, and thirty non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates. f All their names cannot 
now be given. But the records, under date of May 6, 
1691, show, that the town paid the following named 
persons, in bills of credit, the sums set against their 
respective names, for military services in Canada, viz. 

£ s. d. 

To Samuel Platts, for Lieut. Platts . . . 13 1 2 

" Joseph Scott, " Saml. Brown, ... 4 17 7 

" Capt. Fisk, " Robert Claflin, , . . 4 12 7 

Province rate was JS 24,000, of which Rowley's proportion was 
£ 391. 7. 4, being about 1 to 61. 

In 1092, Rowley paid to the Province rate £151. 10. 1. 

In 1G78, Rowley paid Richard Russell, as Province Treasurer, 
£726. 3. 4, as this town's proportion of the expense of Philip's war. 

Making a total of £1269. 0. 9, paid by the town of Rowley in the 
course of three years, for war expenses alone. 

* The foregoing account of the expedition to Quebec, is mostly 
taken from a letter of Major Thomas Savage, (who commanded a 
regiment in that expedition,) to his brother, Perez Savage, in London, 
dated Boston, February 2, 1690 - 1, published in Hist. Soc. Col., 2 Ser. 
Vol. Ill, page 256. 

t The Rev. John Hale, minister of Beverly, was the chaplain of 
the expedition to Canada, in 1690. He was distinguished for his 
connexion with the prosecution for witchcraft, in- Salera, in 1692, and 
still more for his early change of opinion in regard to those prosecu- 
tions, and the firm and independent stand he took in promulgating 
his later opinions in the publication of a small book, written about 
1695, and printed about 1700. A copy of this work is in the library 
of Harvard University. He died in 1700. His grandson,. Robert 
Hale, procured a gcant of land from the General Court to. his. heirs, on 
account of his services in the Canada expedition, 
17* 



£ 


s. 


d. 


5 





3 


4 15 n 


4 


15 17 


10 


1 


2 


4 


12 


9 


5 


5 


7 


3 


14 


3 


4 


14 


1 


6 


2 





4 


15 


5 


2 


10 





4 


11 


2 


5 


2 


7 


4 


15 


3 


4 12 


3 


1 


3 


2 




18 







18 





1 


12 


6 



198 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



To Deacon Jewett, for his son Ezekiel Jewett, 
" Thomas Nelson, Jr., for Samuel French, 
" Goody Swan, " her husband, Richard Swan, 

" Widow Wood, ♦' her son, Ebenezer Wood, 

" Margaret Wood, *' her husband, Samuel Wood, 

" Mrs. Hammond and Nathl. Crosby, for Jona. Crosby, 
*' Goody Biadstreet, for her husband, Nathl. Bradstreet, 
" Sergt. Jewett, " his son, William Jewett, 

'* Grace Harris, " William Searles, 

" Sergt. Nelson, " his son, Jona. Nelison, 

*' Nathan Wheeler, " Benjamin Wheeler, 
*' Corpl. John Pickard, for Jeremiah Chadwell, 
" John Platts, " his brother, James Platts, 

" Caleb Boynton, " his son, W^m. Boynton, 

«« Goody Todd, " her son, Timothy Todd, 

*' Goody Todd, " her son, Samuel Todd, 

" Goody Todd, for her son, Timothy Todd, to Quochicha, 
" Widow Wood " Solomon Wood, " 

" Nathaniel Crosby, for his brother, Jona. Crosby, " 

John Bailey died November 19, and Moses Wood, 
November 25, 1690, on iheir way from Canada. What 
others died we know not. 

Captain Philip Nelson ^ commanded the company 
from Rowley, and, by the petition of Joseph Jewett, 
Jr. to the Governor and Council, under date of April 
22, 1691, (a copy of which follows,) it appears, that 
Captain Nelson, with a part of his men at least, on 
board of Mr. Burrington's brigantine, Mr. Bradlow, 
Commander, were driven off to Barbadoes, where Mr. 
Jewett's man (WilHam Lyncoln,) was left, and perhaps 
others with him. 

" To the Honored Governor and Council of the 
Massachusetts Colony of New England. 

* Captain Nelson died, August 19, 1691, aged about fifty-eight 
years. He graduated at Harvard College in 1654. 



CANADA EXPEDITION. 



199 



*' The petition of Joseph Jevvett, Jr., of Rowley, 

'' Humbly sheweth, that your petitioner's man, Wil- 
liam Lyncoln, lisied himself volunteer, under the com- 
mand of Captain (Philip) Nelson, of Rowley, and with 
him went upon their Majesties' service to Canada in 
the late expedition thither, and, in order to his return 
thence home with his Captain, was embarked in Mr. 
Burrington's brigantine, Mr. Bradlow, Commander, but 
by Providence were forced to bear away for Barbadoes, 
where the said Lyncoln is left, to the detriment of your 
petitioner, who understands, that, when the vessel passed 
the Tropic of Cancer, his servant, havings no money 
to purchase a Tropic bottle, as they call it, had his 
gun taken from him, by the permission of the master ; 
hkewise, Ebenezer Wood, another of the Captain's sol- 
diers, had a skellet, worth 75., taken from him upon the 
same account. And further, that for thirty men's arms 
belonging to the town, and unreturned, there is not an 
account of above forty shillings to be given, in lieu 
thereof, unto their parents, masters, and friends. 

" Your petitioner desires your honors to take the 
premises into consideration, so as that himself and others 
concerned, may have some allowance made them for the 
same. 

" And the petitioner, as in duty bound, shall pray. 
" Joseph Jewett, Jr. 

" Boston, April 22, 1691." 

While Sir William Phips was carrying oji a war with 
the French in Canada, the Indians were busy in destroy- 
ing the inhabitants of the Provinces. In the latter part 
of May, 1690, they made an attack upon Casco, killed 
and wounded many belonging to the garrison, who de- 



200 HISTORY OF ROVTLEY. 

fended themselves while their ammunition ksted, and 
then were obliged to submit. 

On the 4th of July, nine persons at work in a field 
in, or near Dirrham, New Hampshire, were killed. The 
same week, Amesbury was assaulted, three persons killed, 
three houses burnt, and Captain Foot,* of that place, 
tortured to death. 

In September, Major Church, with three hundred 
men, landed at Casco Bay, marched to Androscoggin 
Fort, took and killed about twenty Indians, and set sev- 
eral English captives at liberty, &c. 

The Indians having made overtures of peace in 16^1, 
a conference was held at Sagadahoc, (or Parker's Island, 
at the mouth of Kennebec River,) and ten prisoners were^ 
restored, and a truce established till the 1st of May, 
1692, when they were to go to the garrison in Wells, 
carrying all their captives with them, to sign articles of 
peace. All which they failed to do ; but instead there- 
of, on the 9th of June, they came down upon the town 
of Wells, two hundred strong, which being courageously 
defended, they retired. About this time they killed 
several men in Exeter and Dover, and, more than 
five hundred at Cape Neddock, (between Wells and 
York, Maine.) Seven persons were killed and taken 
captive, September 28, at Berwick ; and the next day, 
twenty-one were taken captive from Sandy Beach, in 
Wells. 

October 23, 1692. In that part of Rowley which is 
now in Byfield parish, in Georgetown, a Mr. Goodrich 
and wife, and two daughters, were killed by the Indians. 



* Probably Captain Samuel Foot, who represented that town in the 
General Court the same year. 



INDIAN MURDERS. 



201 



He was shot while praying in his family, on Sabbath 
evening. Another daughter named Deborah, aged seven 
years, was taken captive, but redeemed the next spring, 
at the expense of the Province. She died in Beverly, 
as appears by the records of the first church in that 
town. The entry is as follows. '-'^ Buryed, March 28, 
1774, Deborah Duty, aged 88 years, a widow. ^' 




The above engraving is an exact representation of 



202 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

the house in which Mr. Goodrich was shot, as it now 
appears, it having been altered and addition made to 
the northern and western parts. It fronts to the south, 
and the first lower window east of the front door, is 
that through which the fatal ball passed. Mr. Goodrich, 
his wife, and two daughters, were buried in one grave, 
a few rods easterly of the house. 

The house is now owned by Captain Gorham P. 
Tenney, and was late the residence of Mr. Dudley 
Lull, deceased, father of said Tenney's wife. 

May 11, 1693. A treaty was signed, which restored 
peace to the Province. It was not of long continuance, 
for hostilities again commenced in 1702, wiih the East- 
ern and other Indians, and continued eleven years. 
Peace was again restored, July, 1713, and preserved 
nine years. Hostilities again commence, 1722, and con- 
tinued about three years. 

During these wars, Rowley, no doubt, furnished her 
full share of men, but their number and names cannot 
be now given entire. The records however show, that 
in 1706, men were out from Rowley. On the 10th of 
July, Joseph Kilborn, Senior, and Jeremiah Nelson were 
slain by the Indians in Dunstable ; and on the 5th of 
August, John Pickard, having been wounded by the In- 
dians, died at Billerica. 

In the spring of the year 1707, Thomas Gage, Sen- 
ior, was appointed by Governor Dudley a lieutenant in 
the army which went against Port Royal, Nova Scotia, 
where he was slain by the enemy. In contemplation of 
what might befall him during the expedition, he made 
a will, bearing date April 21st, 1707, and approved the 
20ih of October following. The number of men fi^om 
Rowley in this expedition is not knowa. 



MILITARY OFFICERS. 203 

The said Lieutenant Gage * left a widow and seven 
children, two sons and five daughters. 

Samuel Ayres was slain by the Indians at Winter 
Harbour, at tlie mouth of Saco River, in February, 
i710-ll. 

Appointment of Military Officers. 

'' June 28, 1689. To the Honored Governour and 
Counsell, sitting at Boston in New England. 

" It having pleased the Hon®'' Counsell to send forth 
order in print, that all vacancies in office, that had their 
commissions the 12th of May, 1686, to be restored to 
their former places and commands, and that all vacancies 
be forthwith filled up. Accordingly wee whose names 
are under written, do certifie, that the inhabitants and 
souldiers of the foot company of Rowley have attended 
this order according to the directions of the Hon^*^ 
Counsell. The foot company being called together by 
order, the militia in the said town being desired to bring 
in their votes for a nomination of a meet person for a 
Captain, to supply the place of Captain Johnson, de- 
ceased, the said Company have unanimously chosen Cor- 
poral Moses Bradstreet, to be their Captain, if the Hon- 
ored Counsell please to establish him in said office, a 
man whom we judge in good measure qualified and fitted 
for such place ; and the said company being so fully sat- 
isfied with the said nomination, wee think wee need not 
say further in way of commendation, but do humbly pre- 



* This Lieutenant Thomas Gage was probably a grandson of John 
Gage, who was one of the first settlers of Ipswich, in 1G33, and the 
great-great-grandfather of the compiler of these sheets. 



204 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

sent these few lines to the Honored Gov' and Counsell, 
and Representatives if present, for yo"" consideration and 
establisliment if you so please ; and so rest your Humble 
Servents, praying and beseeching God to Bless, Guide, 
and direct you in all the great and weighty affairs of this 
Commonwealth, so as may be for the glory of God and 
public k weal. 

^' John Trumble, Ensign,* 
Samuel Mighill, Cler/Cf 
John Palmer, Sergeant, 
John Dresser, " 
EzEKiEL NoRTHEND, Constabh, 
^' The Gov' and Counsell, approved.'' 

July 15, 1689. Captain Moses Bradstreet and Sam- 
uel Mighill, Clerk, send up to the Governor and 
Council the nomination of Ensign John Trumble, as a 
lieutenant, and Abell Platts as an ensign for the Row- 
ley foot company. At the same time informing the 
Governor and Council, that after the nomination of 
Moses Bradstreet as captain in June last, Lieutenant 
Nelson did then plainly declare he would no longer serve 
the company as a lieutenant, he having been super- 
seded. 

1690. The companies of Ipswich, Rowley, Glou- 
cester, Wenham, Topsfield, and Box ford, formed one of 
three regiments in Essex County. 

1699. The town built a watch-house, which stood 
upon the high land near where the powder-house now 
stands. 



* Philip Nelson was Lieutenant, and superseded ; not having one 
Tote. 



FRENCH WAR. 205 

In times of danger, the town kept up a watch, to guard 
against sudden attacks from the Indians. 

For a number of years previous to the commencement 
of the French war, in 1744, the principal Indian diffi- 
culties were with the Norridgewocks and other Eastern 
Indians, who were no doubt very much stimulated and 
set on by the French in Canada. 

In 1723, 1724, and 1725, Jeremiah Ilopkinson and 
others, of Rowley, were at Norridgewock, under com- 
mand of Captain Samuel Wheelwright. 

From 1725 to 1748, it is believed men from Row- 
ley were constantly stationed at Castle William, now 
Fort Independence, in Boston Harbour. The command 
of this fort devolved upon the Lieutenant-Governor of 
Massachusetts Bay. The names of Jonathan Wheeler, 
James Bayley, Richard Woodbury, and Samuel Siick- 
ney, are found upon the rolls. 

In 1744, news of war between France and Spain 
being received, forces were raised to attack Nova Scotia. 
Governor Sliirley projected a plan for taking Louis- 
burg, on Cape Breton Island. Its fortifications, it is 
said, had employed the French troops twenty-five years, 
and cost thirty million livres. Colonel William Pep- 
perell, of Kittery, commanded the land forces, and Com- 
modore Warren the English squadron. The troops, 
about three thousand eight hundred in number, landed 
the last of April, 1745. The transports were discover- 
ed from the town, on the morning of the day the troops 
landed, which was the first notice they had of the de- 
sign. On the night of May 2d, a party of English, of 
about four hundred men, burned the warehouses contain- 
ing naval stores, &c. The French being alarmed, spiked 
their guns, flung their powder into a well, and abandoned 
18 



206 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

the fort and fled to the city. On the 17th of June, the 
garrison capitulated, but the French flag was kept flying, 
which decoyed into the harbour ships of the enemy to 
the vahie of <£ 600,000 sterhng. The weather during 
the siege was fine, but, the day following, rains began, 
which continued ten days, and must have proved fatal 
to the provincial troops, had not the capitulation taken 
place. The people of New England were deeply af- 
fected, it is said, by this interposition of divine provi- 
dence. 

What number of men from Rowley were engaged in 
this expedition, the records do not show ; nor can the 
rolls be found which bore their names. 

But the town records tell us, that James Jewelt was 
killed by a cannon ball, IMoses Platts died of a wound, 
Moses Davis, Jr., John Platts, Humphrey Woodbury, 
Joseph Saunders, Samuel Smith, and Richard Harris, 
all died at Cape Breton, during the years 1745 and 1746. 

In 1754, Stephen Boynton was out under Captain 
John Lane. Lieutenant Benjamin Plumer, Sergeant Mo- 
ses Richards, Sergeant Thomas Johnson, Privates, 
Nathaniel Getchell, Mark Creasey, Joseph Wallingford, 
Samuel Duty, and Jonathan Trask, were all out under 
Captain Nathan Adams, at the eastern frontier. 

In 1755, an entire company (or nearly so) was 
raised in this town, who performed their duty at Lake 
George and vicinity, consisting of, 

Captain. Lieutenant. 

* Thomas Gage. Israel Davis. 



* This Thomas Gage was a grandson of that Lieutenant Thomas 
Gage, who was killed by a cannon ball, (in 1707,) at Port Royal, Nova 
Scotia. 



FRENCH WAR. 



207 



Ensign. 
Thomas Poor. 

Sergeants. 

Jacob Barker, 
John vSmith, 
Israel Hazen. 

Corporals. 

Eliphalet Dan forth, 
Sanauel Slickney, 
William Hobson, 
James Smith. 

Privates. 

Isaac Burpee, 
Stephen Boynton, 
Caleb Brown, 
John Bowman, 
Timothy Burbank, 
Samuel Brackenberry, 
John Bradley, 

John Bowman deserted, 
at Lake George, sick. 

This company was in the service from August 7th to 
December 17th, 1755. 

November 16. Captain Thomas Gage was promoted 
to Major. — A private's wages was ^4-50 per month. 
The Captain received £ 17. 9. 8 ; Lieutenant, £9. 5. 2 ; 
Ensign, £8. 14. 10 ; for the whole term. 

1755, May 8. Jacob Blackledge, of Rowley, enter- 
ed the service under Captain Moores, of Haverhill, and 
died at Crown Point, September 29, 1755. Simeon 
Chapman also died at the same place, the same year ; 
Thomas Johnson and Samuel Stacy both died at Me- 
nis. 



Asa Ladd, 
Jeremiah Hutchins, 
Edward Holland, 
Samuel Hoyt, 
Daniel Hazeltine, 
Andrew Hood, 
Samuel Luskin, 
Samuel Palmer, Jr. 
Stephen Poor, 
Benjamin Priestley, 
Matthew Pettengel, 
William Russell, 
Samuel Spiller, 
Samuel Stevens, 
Edward Saunders, 
Samuel Smith, 
Davis Woodman, 
Abraham Yone, 
James * * * * "^ *. 
Edward Saunders was left 



^^■ 



208 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

This year the French of Nova Scolia were subdued, 
and took the oath of allegiance to the British crown ; 
they were soon after accused of furnishing support and 
intelligence to the Indians and French, and annoying the 
colonies ; and some of them being found in arms, it was 
determined to remove them, about two thousand souls, 
to New England, and distribute them among the various 
towns. Rowley had fourteen to provide for, viz. 
Alexander Reshaw and wife, aged about seventy years. 
Peter Dupee and wife, aged about thirty-five years, and 

two children, one of which died in town. 
Charles Lower and wife, aged about twenty-seven years, 

and one child. 
Bezaleel Leblong and wife, aged about thirty years, and 

three children. The wife died in town. 

Bradford had eleven as their proportion. 

Boxford had fifteen a part of the time, but in March 
(1758,) six of them were removed to Middleton. 

The selectmen of the several towns were authorized 
by law to bind them out to service. It is not known 
that any of those in Rowley w^ere bound out. The Prov- 
ince was charged with the expense of their board. 

After the peace of 1763, the town, March 17, 1767, 
made a grant of £ 13. 6. 8, to aid them in returning to the 
place of their nativity. 

A writer of that day says of these neutral French, 
that they were remarkable for the simplicity of their man- 
ners, the ardor of their piety, and the purity of their 
morals ; that the cloud of their sorrows was never dis- 
pelled ; in a land of strangers, many of them pined away 
and died. 

July 26, 1756. Captain John Pearson, of Row- 
ley, enlisted a company of troops to serve under him 



FRENCH WAR. 209 

at Fort Edward ; and among ihem were the following 
named men of Rowley ; viz. Ezekiel Mighill, Jona- 
than Rogers, John Boynton, Jonathan Stickney, James 
Tenney, and Joseph Creasy. Captain Nathaniel Bayley, 
aged twenty-nine years, a native of Rowley, residing in 
Gloucester, commanded a company, who were mostly 
from Gloucester. James Jewett, of Rowley, was with 
him, and perhaps others. 

Humphrey Saunders was a corporal, under Captain 
Israel Davis. Edward Saunders and Joseph Whitton 
were privates in the same company, for six months. 

Jonathan Hidden was at Lake George. 

Jonathan Stickney and John Boynton were out this 
year, six and a half months, under Captain Jonathan 
Pearson, of Newbury. 

Daniel Wood was out, under Captain Israel Herrick, 
of Boxford. 

Jonathan Bayley was at Fort William Henry. 

1757. The intelligence of the siege of Fort William 
Henry induced the Governor to order the colonels of all 
the regiments, to hold each man in readiness to march 
at a moment's warning. 

In pursuance of orders, a return was made of all 
the train bands and alarm lists in Rowley, which were 
as follows, viz. 

Train band of men belonging to Captain John North- 
end's company. May 16, 1757. The first foot com- 
pany in Rowley. 

Sergeants. Ephraim Boynton. 

David Dresser, Corporals. 

Ezekiel Sawyer, Moses Smith, 

Samuel Dresser, Eliphalet Jewett, 

18 # 



210 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



Joseph Scott, 
Ebenezer Kilborn. 

Drummer. 

David Bay ley, Jr. 

Privaties. 

Nathan Brocklebank, 
Joseph Burpee, 
Isaac Burpee, 
Jeremiah Burpee, 
William Bailey, 
Nathaniel Barker, 
Peter Cooper, 
Mark Creasey. 
James Creasey, 
Nathan Dole, 
Benjamin Dresser, 
Mark Dresser, 
Jonathan Elsworth, 
Nathaniel Elsworth, 
Nathaniel Gage, 
Oliver Hammond, 
Stewart Hunt, 
Price Hidden, 
Moses Hopkinson, 
Samuel Harris, Jr. 
David Hobson, 
Samuel Hidden, 
John Jewett, 
Jeremiah Jewett, 
Paul Jewett, 



Joseph Kilborn, 
Paul Lancaster, 
Moses Lowell, 
Jonathan Martin, 
Moses Pickard, Jr. 
Stephen Palmer, 
Mark Platts, 
Edward Payson, Jr. 
John Palmer, Jr. 
John Palmer, ody 
Jacob Pickard, 
Samuel Palmer, 
Francis Palmer, 
Benjamin Smitb, 
John Stickney, Jr. 
Simon Stickney, 
Samuel Scott, 
Samuel Spiller, 
Humphrey Saunders^ 
William Saunders, 
John Saunders, 
David Searle, 
Daniel Scott, 
Ezekiel Saunders, 
Thomas Tenney, 
Jonathan Trask, 
Thomas Todd, 
Asa Todd, 
Daniel Todd, Jr. 

Total 65. 
Attest, Jacob Jewett, Clerk, 



FRENCH WAR. 



211 



Captain Nortbend 
Rev. Jedediah Jewelt, 
" George Lesslie, 
Major Thomas Gage, 
Ebenezer Hidden, 
Jonathan Johnson, 
James Pay son, 
Richard Lowell, 
Jonathan Smith, 
Daniel Todd, 
Nehemiah Jevvett, 
William Jewett, 
Samuel Pearson, 
Joseph Duty, 
Samuel Stickney, 
Moses Stickney, 
Moses Duty, 
Leonard Cooper, 
John Stickney, 
David Dresser, 

Attest, 



's Alarm List, viz. 
David Bayley, 
Francis Pickard, Jun. 
Daniel Clark, 
Nathaniel Mighill, Jr. 
Joseph Pickard, 
Dr. William Hale, 
James Barker, Jr. 
David Hanmiond, 
David Pickard, 
Joseph Barker, 
David Nelson, 
Jonathan Hopkinson, 
Ebenezer Tenney, 
Jacob Barker, 
Stephen Dresser, 
Jonathan Burpee, 
Samuel Stickney, Jr. 
Amos Jewett. 

Total 37. 
Jacob Jewett, Clerk. 



May 31, 1757. Captain John Pearson's Troop of 



Horse, viz. 

Captain John Pearson, 
Lieutenant Ebenezer Burpee, 
Cornet Jedediah Kilborn, 
Quartermaster George Jewett, 
Corporal Thomas Lambert, 

" Joshua Prime, 
Trumpeter Daniel Pearson, 

Privates. 

John Adams, 



Stephen Adams, 
Benjamin Adams, 
John Brocklebank, Jr. 
Jedidiah Bayley, 
Moses Burpee, 
John Brocklebank, 3d, 
James Boynton, 
Daniel Chute, 
Moses Clark, 



212 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



John Dickinson, 
Thomas Elsworth, 
Jonathan Harriman, 
Humphrey Hobson, 
Samuel Harriraan, 
William Hobson, 
Samuel Holmes, 
Jeremiah Harriman, 
Benjamin Jackman, 
John Johnson, 
Timothy Jackman, Jr. 
Joseph Jevvett, 
Jedidiah Kilborn, 
Thomas Mighill, 

Attest, 



Jeremiah Mighill, 
Jonathan Pickard, 
Jedidiah Pearson, Jr. 
William Price, 
Jacob Pearson, 
Elliot Payson, 
Jeremiah Searle, 
Benjamin Stickney, 
Jedidiah Stickney, 
John Todd, Jr. 
William Todd, 
Thomas Wood, Jr. 
Samuel Wood. 

Total 45. 
Stephen Mighill, ClerJc. 



Captain Pearson's Alarm List, viz. 
Jonathan Dickinson, Thomas Prime, 

Jonathan Todd, %/ Nathan Lambert. 

Jonathan Chaplin, Total 



5. 



June 15, 1757. Captain Richard Thurston's Train 
Band, (Second Foot Company.) 
Captain Richard Thurston, Drummer John Smith, 



Lieutenant John Plumer, 
Ensign Daniel SpofFord, 
Sergeant Stephen Pingree, 
" Nathaniel SpofFord, 
" Ebenezer Chaplin, 
Corporal Jeremiah Hazen, 
'' Stephen Hardy, 
" John Dodge, 
'' Abel SpofFord, 



Privates. 

Abraham Adams, 
William Brown, 
David Burpee, 
William Chandler, 
Jeremiah Chaplin, Jr. 
Asa Chaplin, 
Joseph Dickinson, 
Richard Easty, 



Drummer Thomas Plumer, Jr. Abraham Fosters 



FRENCH WAR. 



213 



Israel Hazen, 
Jacob Hazen, 
Enoch Harriman, 
JosejDh Hobson, 
Moses Harriman, 
Jonathan Harriman, Jr. 
Joshua Jackson, 
Samuel Keezer, 
Jonathan Kilborn, 
Peter Moores, Jr. 
Thomas Merrill, Jr. 
David Nelson, Jr. 
Aaron Nelson, 
Asa Nelson, 
John Pilshury, 
Samuel Plumer, 
John Pingree, 



Francis Pingree, 
Asa Pingree, 
James Phillips, 
Clement Pingree, 
John Plumer, Jr. 
Joseph Plumer, 
William Rmherford, 
William Searle, Jr. 
Eliphalet Spoflbrd, 
Ebenezer S})ofrord, 
John Thurston, 
John Tenney, Jr. 
Stephen Thurston, 
Nathan Tyler, 
Benjamin Wallingford, 
Benjamin Wallingford, Jr. 
Total 55, 



Captain Thurston 
Rev. James Chandler, 
Thomas Merrill, 
Solomon Nelson, 
David Perley, 
Asa Tyler, 
Nathan Plumer, 
William Adams, 
Eleazer Burbank, 
Joseph Nelson, 
Thomas Burpee, 
Gideon Thurston, 
Attest, 



's Alarm Lrst, viz. 
John Boynton, 
Jonathan Chaplin, Jr. 
Ezra Burbank, 
Benjamin Thurston, 
Benjamin Holmes, 
Abner SpofFord, 
Nathan Boynton, 
Edmund Dole, 
Samuel Johnson. 

Total 20. 

Dudley Tyler, Clerk. 



Whole number of effective men on the rolls in Rowley, 



214 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



(exclusive of the Rowley part of Byfield 
Company,) .... 165 

On the Alarm List, . . .62 



The following is a list of all the men belonging to 
the second regiment of militia in Essex County, John 
Greenleaf, Esq., Colonel. This regiment includes New- 
bury, Rowley, Salisbury, and Amesbury, (Newburyport 
was not incorporated,) viz. 



Train 
Band. 



Colonel John Greenleafs List, ]20 

Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Gerrish's List, 84 



Major Joseph Coffin's List, 
Captain John Northend's List, 



Richard Thurston's List, 

John Pearson's " 

Caleb Cushing's " 

Richard Greenleafs " 

Richard Kelley's " 

Eliphalet Noyes's " 

George Worthern's " 

Stephen Kmery's " 

William True's " 



247 
57 
41 
42 

85 
223 

97 
105 

90 

78 
110 



Alarm 
List. 

31 

3G 
55 
38 
20 


30 
64 
64 

5 
66 
34 
35 



1379 478 
The above is exclusive of officers. 



Byfield. 



Total. 
151 
120 
302 

95 ^ 

61 > Rowley. 

42 ^ 
115 
287 
161 
110 
156 
112 
145 

1857 



In 1757, Jonathan Bailey, Joseph Poor, and Jedidiah 
Stickney, and probably others from Rowley, were in Fort 
William Henry, at the time of its surrender, (August 9,) 
and were in the massacre which took place on their leaving 
the Fort. Of this massacre, Captain Jonathan Carver, 
who was present and commanded a company of pro- 
vincial troops, gives the following account in his travels, 
published in 1797, viz. 

" General Webb, who commanded the English army 



MASSACRE OF FORT WILLIAM HENRY. 215 

in North America, which was then encamped at Fort 
Edward, having intelligence that the French troops under 
Mons. Montcalm were making some movements toward 
Fort William Henry, detached a corps of about fifteen 
hundred men, consisting of English and provincials, to 
strengthen the garrison. In this party I [Carver] went 
as a volunteer among the latter. 

" The apprehensions of the English General were not 
without foundation ; for the day after our arrival, we saw 
Lake George, (formerly Lake Sacrament,) to which it lies 
contiguous, covered with an immense number of boats ; 
and in a ^ew hours we found our lines attacked by the 
French General, who had just landed with eleven thou- 
sand regulars and Canadians, and two thousand Indians. 
Colonel Monro, a brave officer, conmianded in the Fort, 
and had no more than two thousand three hundred men 
with him, our detachment included. 

'' With these he made a gallant defence, and probably 
would have been able at last to preserve the Fort, had he 
been properly supported, and permitted to continue his 
efforts. On every summons to surrender sent by the 
French General, who offered the most honorable terms, 
his answer repeatedly was, that he yet found himself in 
a condition to repel the most vigorous attacks his be- 
siegers were able to make ; and if he thought his present 
force insufficient, he could soon be supplied with a greater 
number from the adjacent army. 

'' But the Colonel having acquainted General Webb 
with his situation, and desired he would send him some 
fresh troops, the General despatched a messenger to him 
with a letter, wherein he informed him that it was not in 
his power to assist him, and therefore gave him orders to 
surrender up the Fort on the best terms he could pro- 



216 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

cure. This packet fell into the hands of the French 
General, who imnnecliately sent a flag of truce, desiring 
a conference with the governor. 

" They accordingly met, attended only by a small 
guard in the centre between the lines ; when Mons. 
Montcalm told the Colonel, that he was come in person 
to demand possession of the Fort, as it belonged to the 
King, his master. The Colonel replied, that he knew 
not how that could be, nor should he surrender it up 
whilst it was in his power to defend it. The French 
General rejoined, at the same time delivering the packet 
into the Colonel's hand, ' By this authority do I make the 
requisition.' The brave governor had no sooner read 
the contents of it, and was convinced that such were the 
orders of the commander-in-chief, and not to be dis- 
obeyed, than he hung his head in silence, and reluctantly 
entered into a negotiation. 

" In consideration of the gallant defence the garrison 
had made, they were to be permitted to march out with 
all the honors of war, to be allowed covered waggons to 
transport their baggage to Fort Edward, and a guard to 
protect them from the fury of the savages. 

" The morning after the capitulation was signed, as 
soon as day, the whole garrison, now consisting of about 
two thousand men, besides women and children, were 
drawn up within the lines, and on the point of marching 
off, when great numbers of the Indians gathered about, 
and began to plunder. We were at first in hopes that 
this was their only view, and suffered them to proceed 
without opposition. Indeed it was not in our power to 
make any, had we been so inclined ; for though we were 
permitted to carry off our arms, yet we were not allowed 
a single round of ammunition. In these hopes, however, 



MASSACRE OF FORT WILLIAM HENRY. 217 

we were disappointed ; for presently some of them began 
to attack the sick and wounded, when such as were not 
able to crawl into the ranks, notwithstanding they en- 
deavoured to avert the fury of their enemies by their 
shrieks or groans, were soon despatched. 

*' Here we were fully in expectation the disturbance 
would have concluded, and our little army began to move ; 
but in a short time we saw the front division driven back, 
and discovered that we were entirely encircled by the 
savages. We expected every moment that the guard, 
which the French, by the articles of capitulation, had 
agreed to allow us, would have arrived, and put an end 
to our apprehensions ; but none appeared. The Indians 
now began to strip every one without exception of their 
arms and clothes, and those who made the least resistance, 
felt the weight of their tomahawks. 

" I happened to be in the rear division, but it was not 
long before I shared the fate of my companions. Three 
or four of the savages laid hold of me, and whilst some 
held their weaj)ons over my head, the others soon dis- 
robed me of my coat, waistcoat, hat, and buckles, omit- 
ting not to take from me what money I had in pocket. 
As this was transacted close by the passage that led from 
the lines on to the plain, near which a French sentinel 
was posted, I ran to him and claimed his protection ; but 
he only called me an English dog, and thrust me with 
violence back again into the midst of the Indians. 

" I now endeavoured to join a body of our troops that 
were crowded together at some distance ; but innumerable 
were the blows that were made at me with different 
weapons as I passed on ; luckily, however, the savages 
were so close together, that they could not strike me 
without endangering each other. Notwithstanding which, 
19 



218 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

one of them found means to make a thrust at me with a 
spear, which grazed my side, and from another I received 
a wound, with the same kind of weapon, in my ankle. 
At length I gained the spot where my countrymen stood, 
and forced myself into the midst of them. But before I 
got thus far out of the hands of tlie Indians, the collar and 
wristbands of my shirt were all that remained of it, and 
my flesh was scratched and torn in many places, by their 
savage gripes. 

" By this time the war-whoop was given, and the 
Indians began to murder those that were nearest to them 
without distinction. It is not in the power of words to 
give any tolerable idea of the horrid scene that now 
ensued ; men, women, and children were despatched in 
the most wanton and cruel manner, and immediately 
scalped. Many of these savages drank the blood of their 
victims, as it flowed warm from the fatal wound. 

" We now perceived, though too late to avail us, that 
we were to expect no relief from the French ; and that, 
contrary to the agreement they had so lately signed, to 
allow us a sufficient force to protect us from these insults, 
they tacitly permitted them ; for I could plainly perceive 
the French officers walking about at some distance, dis- 
coursing together with apparent unconcern. For the 
honor of human nature, I would hope that this flagrant 
breach of every sacred law, proceeded rather from the 
savage disposition of the Indians, which I acknowledge 
it is sometimes almost impossible to control, and which 
might now unexpectedly have arrived to a pitch not easily 
to be restrained, than to any premeditated design in the 
French commander. An unprejudiced observer would, 
however, be apt to conclude, that a body of ten thousand 
troops, mostly Christian troops, had it in their power to 



MASSACRE OF FORT WILLIAM HENRY. £19 

prevent the massacre from becoming so general. But 
whatever was the cause from which it arose, the con- 
sequences of it were dreadful, and not to be paralleled in 
modern history. As the circle in which I stood enclosed, 
by this time was much thinned, and death seemed to be 
approaching with hasty strides, it was proposed by some 
of the most resolute to make one vigorous effort, and 
endeavour to force our way through the savages, the only 
probable method of preserving our lives that now re- 
mained. This, however desperate, was resolved on, and 
about twenty of us sprung at once into the midst of them. 
In a moment we were all separated, and what was the 
fate of my companions I could not learn till some months 
after, when I found that only six or seven of them 
effected their design. Intent only on my own hazardous 
situation, I endeavoured to make my way through my 
savage enemies in the best manner possible. And I have 
often been astonished since, when I have recollected 
with what composure I took, as I did, every necessary 
step for my preservation. Some I overturned, being at 
that time young and athletic, and others I passed by 
dexterously avoiding their weapons ; till at last two very 
stout chiefs, of the most savage tribes, as I could dis- 
tinguish by their dress, whose strength I could not resist, 
laid hold of me by each arm, and began to force me 
through the crowd. I now resigned myself to my fate, 
not doubting but that they intended to despatch me, and 
then to satiate their vengeance with my blood, as I found 
they were burying me towards a retired swamp, that lay 
at some distance. But before we had got many yards, 
an English gentleman of some distinction, as I could 
discover by his breeches, the only covering he had on, 
which were of fine scarlet velvet, rushed close by us. 



220 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

One of the Indians instantly relinquished his hold, and 
springing on this new object, endeavoured to seize him 
as his prey ; but the gentleman being strong, threw him 
on the ground, and would probably have got away had 
not he who held my other arm, quitted me to assist his 
brother. I seized the opportunity, and hastened away to 
join another party of English troops that were yet un- 
broken, and stood in a body at some distance. But 
before I had taken many steps, I hastily cast my eye 
towards the gentleman, and saw the Indian's tomahawk 
gash into his back, and heard him utter liis last groan ; 
this added both to my speed and desperation. I had left 
this shocking scene but a few yards, when a fine boy 
about twelve years of age, that had hitherto escaped, 
came up to me, and begged that I would let him lay hold 
of me, so that he might stand some chance of getting out 
of the hands of the savages. I told him I would give 
him every assistance in my power, and to this purpose 
bid him lay hold ; but in a few moments he was torn 
from my side, and by his shrieks, I judge was soon de- 
molished. I could not help forgetting my own cares for 
a moment, to lament the fate of so young a sufferer ; but 
it was utterly impossible for me to take any method to 
prevent it. I now got once more into the midst of 
friends, but we were unable to afford each other any 
succor. 

" As this was the division that had advanced the fur- 
thest from the fort, I thought there might be a possi- 
bility, (though but a bare one,) of my forcing my way 
through the outer ranks of the Indians, and getting to a 
neighbouring wood, which I perceived at some distance. 
I was still encouraged to hope, by the almost miraculous 
preservation I had already experienced. Nor were my 



MASSACRE OF FORT WILLIAM HENRY. 221 

hopes in vain, or the efforts I made ineffectual. Suffice 
it to say, that I reached the wood ; but by the time I 
had penetrated a little way into it, my breath was so ex- 
hausted, that I threw myself into a brake, and lay for 
some minutes, apparently at the last gasp. At length I 
recovered the power of respiration ; but my apprehen- 
sions returned with all their former force, when I saw 
several savages pass by, probably in pursuit of me, at no 
very great distance. In this situation, I knew not wheth- 
er it was better to proceed, or endeavour to conceal my- 
self where I lay, till night came on ; fearing, however, 
that they would return the same way, I thought it most 
prudent to get farther from the dreadful scene of my dis- 
tresses. Accordingly, striking into another part of the 
wood, I hastened on as fast as the briers and the loss of 
one of my shoes w^ould permit me ; and after a slow 
progress of some hours, gained a hill that overlooked the 
plain which I had just left, from whence I could discern 
that the bloody storm still raged with unabated fury. 

" After passing three days without subsistence, and 
enduring the severity of the cold dews for three nights, 
I at length reached Fort Edward ; where with proper 
care my body soon recovered its wonted strength, and 
my mind, as far as the recollection of the late melancholy 
events would permit, its usual composure. 

"It was computed, that 1500 persons were killed 
or made prisoners by these savages, during this fatal 
day. Many of the latter were carried off by them, and 
never returned. A few, through favorable accidents, 
found their way back to their native country, after a long 
and severe captivity. 

" The brave Colonel ^lonro had hastened away, soon 
after the confusion began, to the French camp, to en- 
19* 



222 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

deavour to procure the guard agreed by the stipulation ; 
but his application proving ineffectual, he remained there 
till General Webb sent a party of troops to demand and 
protect him back to Fort Edward. But these unhappy 
occurrences, which would probably have been prevented 
had he been left to pursue his own plans, together with 
the loss of so many brave men murdered in cold blood, 
to whose valor he had been so lately a witness, made 
such an impression on his mind, that he did not long 
survive. He died in about three months of a broken 
heart, and with truth might it be said, that he was an 
honor to his country. 

''I mean not to point out the following circumstance, 
as the immediate judgment of Heaven, and intended as an 
atonement for this slaughter ; but I cannot omit, that very 
few of those different tribes of Indians that shared in 
it, ever lived to return home. The small-pox, by means 
of their communication with the Europeans, found its 
way among them, and made an equal havoc to what they 
themselves had done. The methods they pursued on 
the first attack of that malignant disorder, to abate the fe- 
ver attending it, rendered it fatal. Whilst their blood was 
in a state of fermentation, and nature was striving to 
throw out the peccant matter, they checked her opera- 
tions by plunging into the water ; the consequence was, 
that they died by hundreds. The few that survived 
were transformed by it into hideous objects, and bore 
with them to the grave, deep indented marks of this much 
dreaded disease. 

" Monsieur Montcalm fell soon after, on the plains of 
Quebec. 

'- That the unprovoked cruelty of this commander 
was not approved of by the generality of his country- 



FRENCH WAR. 223 

men, I have since been convinced by many proofs. One 
only, however, which I received from a person who was 
witness to it, shall 1 here give. A Canadian nnerchant, 
of some consideration, having heard of the surrender of 
the English fort, celebrated the fortunate event with 
great rejoicings and hospitality, according to the custom 
of that country ; but no sooner did the news of the mas- 
sacre which ensued reach his ears, than he put an imme- 
diate stop to the festivity, and exclaimed in the severest 
terms against the inhuman permission, declaring, at the 
same time, that those who had connived at it, had there- 
by drawn down on that part of their King's dominions, 
the vengeance of Heaven. To this he added, that he 
much feared the total loss of them w^oiild deservedly be 
the consequence. How truly this prediction was verified 
we well know." 

In 1758, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Gage, of Row- 
ley, w^as at Lake George, where, on the 20ih of July, 
David Pay son w-as slain by the Indians. 

James Creasey, Richard Easty, and Joseph Whitten, 
and probably others, were out under Captain Israel Da- 
vis, of Topsfield. 

In 1759, Thomas Barker, Robert Gragg, Francis 
Nelson, and John Smith, were out under Captain Israel 
Herrick, of Boxford. And Benjamin Sawyer, John 
Searle, Jr., Ezra Clough, Nathaniel Clough, William 
Cheney, Abijah Dickinson, Abner Moores, Thomas Per- 
rin, and Thomas Pike, under Captain Joseph Newhall, 
of Newbury. 

Humphrey Saunders, Lieutenant, and Daniel Scott, 
Joseph Spiller, Ezra Burbank, Samuel Stickney, Sam- 
uel Spiller, Anthony Bell, James Creasey, Moses Low- 
ell, Mark Dresser, Thomas Tenney, Peirce Bailey, 



224 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

John Bennett, Samuel Hidden, Francis Palmer, David 
Plumer, Asa Todd, John Plumer, James Boynton, 
Stewart Hunt, and William Bayley, privates, were under 
Captain Thomas Poor, of Andover. 

In the latter part of 1759, the following Rowley 
men were enhsted, for Colonel Daniel Appleton's regi- 
ment, viz. 

Thomas Tenney, Benjamin Dresser, Thomas Barker, 
Nathaniel Wallis, Moses Lowell, Joseph Spiller, Jona- 
than Gragg, Clement Pingree, William Hobson, Benja- 
min Winter, John Boynton, Abijah SpofFord, Wicom 
Johnson, Dudley Tyler, Amos Nelson, Abner Burbank, 
Moses Harriman, and James Boynton. 

Important were the victories of the year 1759. Ni- 
agara, Ticonderoga, Crown Point, and Quebec, all sub- 
mitted to the English. At the taking of Quebec, on 
the 18th day of September, General James Wolfe, the 
British commander, after being wounded in the w^ist, re- 
ceived a ball in his breast and fell, and was carried from 
the centre of the battle, leaning on the shoulder of a 
lieutenant ; while sinking in the agonies of death, he 
heard a cry, " They run." For a moment reviving, he 
asked who ran. It was answered, " The French." He 
replied, "I thank God, I die in peace," and expired. 
Montcalm, the French commander, was wounded and 
died in a few days. Quebec surrendered, and the whole 
Province was soon annexed to the British Empire. 
This year, Clement Pingree and Benjamin Dresser died 
at Louisburg, and Peter Cooper, coming from Que- 
bec. 

In 1759, Rowley, at different enlistments, furnished 
fifty-two men for the service, being more than one 
third part of all their effective men borne upon the rolls, 



FRENCH WAR. 225 

according to return before given. No doubt others from 
Rowley were in the service this year, besides those 
whose names are given. 

1760. IVfen enlisted for his Majesty's service for the 
total reduction of Canada, viz. 

Captain. Abljah Dickinson, 

Josejjh Smith, Joseph Hobson, 

First Lieutenant. Elicnezer Martin, 

Jonathan Stickney. Abner Moores, 

Second Lieutenant. John Plumer, 

John Searle. David Plumer, 

Privates. Thomas Pike, 

John Bay ley, Benjamin Sawyer, 

Peirce Bayley, Ezekiel Stevens, 

Abel Creasey, Jr. Mark ThurloW, 

Moses Duty, 3d, John Jackman. 

Also from Rowley this year, under Captain Israel 
Herrick, of Box ford, .Jacob Haven, William Johnsons 
James Boynton, and Abel Dodge. 

Under Ca[)iain Stephen Whip{)le, of Ipswich, Ben- 
jamin Winter, Thomas Barker, Jonathan Gragg, Moses 
Lowell, and Rufus Wheeler. 

Under Captain Francis Peabody, of Boxford, Ezra 
Clough, John Easty, Peter Hardy, and Jedidiah Stick- 
ney. 

Under Captain Nathaniel Bayley, of Gloucester, for- 
merly of Rowley, Oliver Bayley, who died in Septem- 
ber. 

And under officers unknow^n, Moses Platts, Samuel 
Spiller, John Bayley, Jr., and Ezekiel Mighill. 

The average time of service, for 1760, was about 
forty-four weeks, being from February to December. 
The wages per month, at this period, was. Captain, 



226 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

£ 9, First Lieutenant, £ 5, Second Lieutenant, £ 3, 
Sergeant, £2, Corporal, £1 \Ss. Id., Private, £1 
16s. Captain Joseph Smith, Peirce Bailey, Samuel 
Spiller, and William Bailey, died in the service. 

1761. From the commencement of this year to the 
peace of 1763, but few men were called for. 

Asa Plumer, of Rowley, was out under Captain Joshua 
Moody, of Falmouth. 

1762. Benjamin Mansfield, James Creasey, Caleb 
Creasey, John Creasey, John Cromby, and Moses Jew- 
ett, were under Captain Gideon Parker, of Ipswich ; 
and James Martin, John Hart, Ezra Burbank, Abel 
Dodge, and Moses Duty, were also out. 

1763. This year, peace between the English and 
French terminated all hostile operations. The number 
of men furnished by this town, during the French wars, 
are derived from well-authenticated rolls, still preserved 
in the Massachusetts archives. Many names have no 
doubt been omitted in the examination, as the series of 
rolls are incomplete. 

'' Nearly one third of the effective men," says Mi- 
not, " were in military service in some mode or other ; 
and all this zeal was manifested after the most depressing 
disappointment, and a burden of taxes, which is said to 
have been so great in the capital, as to equal two thirds 
of the income of the real estate." 

In 1764, the militia of the Province of Massachusetts 
Bay were organized. The towns of Ipswich, Rowley, 
and Topsfield, made one regiment, called the third regi- 
ment in Essex County. 

June 1. The officers were commissioned. The 
field-officers were Colonel Samuel Rogers, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Thomas Dennis, Major John Baker^ 



STAMP ACT. 227 

June 7. The company officers of Rowley were 
commissioned, viz. 

First Company. Captain Thomas Gage,* Lieutenant 
Joseph Scott, Ensign John Jewett. 

Second Company. Captain Daniel SpofTord, Lieu- 
tenant Dudley Tyler, Ensign Eliphalet Spofford. 

Linebrook Company. Captain Isaac Davis, Lieuten- 
ant David Dresser, Ensign Abraham How. 

An important principle in the colonial system was, 
that the Colonies were to be governed by officers ap- 
pointed at home, with fixed salaries paid from the re- 
sources of the Colonies. It too frequently happened, 
that these officers proved to be tyrants, according to the 
degree of power they possessed. 

1765, October 10. The town met for the purpose 
of instructing their representative to join in no measure 
countenancing the Stamp Act. This is the earliest ex- 
pression of opinion upon the town records, touching 
revolutionary measures. 

The instructions are as follows, viz. 

" To Humphrey Hobson, Esq. 
" Sir, — You will not interpret the manifestation of 
the minds of your constituents, upon so alarming an oc- 
casion, as that of complying with or refusing a stamp 
act (so much agitated), as an effect of their distrust of 
your ability or fidelity, but as a prudent step taken, 
hereby to prevent all unwarrantable suspicions that might 
arise hereafter, and to leave upon record a lasting tes- 
timony to posterity, that we do not quietly, and for no 
consideration, give up our and their inestimable rights as 



* He had previously held the commission of Captain, Major, and 
Lieutenant-Colonel, in the late French war. 



228 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

British subjects. Therefore, in reference to the stamp 
act, we would say, that, considering the present state of 
the Province as extremely low and depressed, occasioned 
by the late expensive war, and a scant produce of some 
of the necessaries of life, for some summers past, for 
which reason much of our money has been exported to 
foreign parts in exchange for necessary commodities, 
whereby we are so reduced as scarcely to be able to 
support ourselves and throw off our yearly load of public 
tax ; considering the said public act not only as uncon- 
stitutional, (as we apprehend,) and an invasion upon our 
charter rights and privileges, but so calculated, as to en- 
close and carry off the greater part of our medium of 
trade, which as yet survives the above mentioned calam- 
ities ; considering the said act, in its execution, as de- 
structive of the dearest part of our liberty, by admitting 
it as lawful to prosecute and punish the ti'ansgressors of 
it in the Court of Admiralty, and so depriving us the 
privilege of a jury ; and considering it in its probable 
consequences, as an introduction to a train of other acts 
of a similar oppressive nature, (each of which particulars 
pursued, affords a gloomy prospect,) all these consider- 
ations, though but just hinted at, appear so weighty, 
that though we are sensible a non-compliance must be 
attended with many and grievous difficulties, yet as a 
compliance threatens utter ruin, we cannot, we dare not, 
and we instruct and advise you, not to give your con- 
sent for its taking place in this Province, but to make 
that vigorous opposition thereto, as is requisite from the 
importance and moment of our confirmed charter rights, 
and the least inconsistent with proper deference paid to 
the British authority. Further, we intimate our senti- 
ments to you, that you forbear acting in an application 



TROUBLES WITH EiNGLAND. 229 

of the public moneys towards a compensation of the 
loss * which any private person or persons may have 
sustained, or to any other use than has been usual. 

" You likewise have our consent and advice to bear 
public testimony against, and to go into all proper meas- 
ures to prevent, all such disorders and outrages as have 
been or may be committed, contrary to the laws pro- 
vided for privates quietly and peaceably enjoying each 
his own property." 

1766, September 18. The town appointed a com- 
mittee of fifteen, to consider the subject of making res- 
titution to the Lieutenant-Governor and others, for a loss 
they sustained by a mob in Boston. 

October 22. The aforenamed committee report lo 
the town, that it is not expedient for the General Court 
to make restitution to those who had suffered from the 
mob, as mentioned above. 

December 1. The town met to consider and express 
their opinion upon a bill now pending before the Gener- 
at Court, granting compensation to the sufferers, and 
free pardon to the offenders, &c. 

The town voted in favor of compensation being 
granted to the sufferers, and free pardon and oblivion to 
the offenders. 

1768, September 26. At a town meeting held for 
the purpose of taking into consideration the doings of 
the town of Boston, relative to calling a convention of 
delegates from the various tow^ns in this Province, in 



* The Stamp Act passed in Parliament, January 10, 1765. An- 
drew Oliver, Esq. (then Secretary of the Province,) accepted the 
office of Stamp Master. August 14, a mob assembled in Boston, and 
destroyed the property of the Stamp Master, &c. 

20 



230 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

order that such measures may be consulted and advised, 
as the peace and safety of his Majesty's subjects in the 
Province may require ; 

The town, having carefully considered the doings of the 
town of Boston, in the matter referred to above, voted, 
" That Humphrey Hobson, Esq. be, and he is hereby 
empowered to join in convention * with the delegates 
from the said town of Boston, and such others as may 
be sent from the several other towns in this Province, in 
order that such measures may be consulted and advised, 
as the peace and safety of his Majesty's subjects in this 
Province seem to require." 

At the aforesaid meeting, the town, taking into con- 
sideration the gloomy aspect of the public affairs of this 
Province, voted, " That the selectmen be a committee 
to wait upon the several ministers of the Gospel in this 
town, desiring that Thursday, the 6th day of Octo- 
ber next, may be set apart as a day of fasting and 
prayer." 

1770, March 17. At a town meeting, held for the 
purpose of taking into consideration the doings of the 
principal merchants in Boston, and other maritime towns 
in this Province, relating to the non-importation of Brit- 
ish manufactures, &:c. voted, " That Humphrey Hob- 
son, John Pearson, Nathaniel Mighill, George Jewett, 
Richard Thurston, Stephen Mighill, Daniel SpofFord, 
Abraham Adams, Samuel Northend, Jeremiah Jew- 
ett, Oliver Tenney, Jacob Jewett, and Amos Jew- 
ett, be a committee, to duly consider what measures 
may be proper for this town to take, in order to pre- 
vent the importation of British manufactures, and en- 

* Convention met in Boston, 22 September. 



TROUBLES WITH ENGLAND. 231 

courage our own ; and make report to the town at an 
adjourned meeting." The meeting was then adjourned to 
the 22d day of May. 

The town met according to adjournment. And the 
committee made the following 

'' Report. 

" That it is the duty of this town to render their un- 
feigned thanks to the body of merchants in Boston, and 
other maritime towns on this continent, who have acted 
so wise and disinterested a part as to come into their 
non-importation agreement, which appears to be not only 
constitutional, but the most probable measure that could 
have been taken to free this people from the distresses 
they are now under, (by reason of the impositions on 
trade,) and save them from final ruin. And those few 
who have refused to join in said agreement, or conduct- 
ed contrary thereto, appear to be enemies to their coun- 
try, and ought to be treated with all that neglect and con- 
tempt the laws of God and man will justify. 

" And in full confidence, that those worthy merchants 
will persevere in their agreement, till the happy end and 
design thereof shall be accomplished, we think it highly 
reasonable for this town to afford them all assistance and 
encouragement in their power ; and in order hereto, that 
the inhabitants covenant with each other, in the form fol- 
lowing, viz. 

" Whereas, the present state of this Province makes it 
necessary to discourage the importation of goods from 
Great Britain, and by all lawful means to encourage and 
promote manufactures among ourselves. 

'' Therefore, we the subscribers, being desirous of pro- 
moting the public good, do hereby solemnly covenant 



232 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

and engage, to and with each other, that we will endeav- 
our, as we have opportunity and ability, to promote fru- 
gality, industry, and good economy, and to encourage 
the use of all necessary articles, manufactured in this or 
any other of the British Colonies on this continent ; and 
that we will not knowingly ourselves, or by any under us, 
have any connexion by way of trade, either directly or 
indirectly, with any person or persons who have or may 
hereafter import any goods, contrary to the agreement 
of the united body of merchants, or with any person 
that trades with such importers, especially with any ship- 
builder or builders, who shall build any ship, or other 
seafaring vessel, for any foreigner or any other per- 
son, who shall take the pay for the same, or any part 
thereof, in goods imported contrary to said agreement ; 
but will look upon all such persons as being willing to 
sacrifice the public welfare of their country to their own 
private interest, and therefore unworthy of any public 
trust, deserving contempt. 

" And further, we do covenant and engage, that we will 
not hereafter use any foreign tea ourselves, or suffer it 
to be used in our families. And this our covenant and 
agreement shall remain in full force, until the revenue 
acts are repealed, or a general iniportation shall take 
place." 

The foregoing report being read and duly considered, 
was unanimously accepted. 

" And thereupon voted. That the thanks of this town 
be given to the body of merchants, for their united en- 
deavours to free this people from their present difficul- 
ties, and to prevent future. 

" Voted, That the committee be desired to present the 
inhabitants of this town a subscription paper, in the 



WHIG COVENANT. 233 

form of that reported by them, that the inhabitants may 
have an opportunity of subscribing tiie same. And that 
the town clerk be desired to transmit to the committee 
of merchants in Boston, a copy of the report of the 
committee, and the votes of this town consequent 
thereon." 

Subscription papers were immediately circulated 
through the town, and signed by most of the inhabitants. 
The one circulated through Rowley part of Byfield 
parish has been preserved, and bears the names of the 
following persons, viz. Samuel Northend, Reuben Pear- 
son, Moses Pearson, Jeremiah Pearson, William Long- 
fellow, Oliver Dickinson, Amos Jewett, Jeremiah Poor, 
Enoch Pearson, Henry Poor, Abraham Sawyer, Mark 
Thurla, Daniel Pearson, Jacob Pearson, Jonathan Thur- 
la, Israel Adams, Moses Lull, Noyes Pearson, Nathaniel 
Tenney, John Searle, Samuel Searle, John Searle, Jr., 
Benjamin Stickney, Amos Stickney, Benjamin Jack- 
man, John Thurla, John Tenney, Samuel Pike, Moses 
Smith, and Abraham Colbe. (The agreement signed, 
was then called a Whig Covenant.) 

Covenants similar to the one adopted in this town, 
or nearly so, were offered for signature, (it is believed,) 
in every town in the then Province of Massachusetts 
Bay ; and in some towns the subscribers bound them- 
selves by an oath. It is not known that an oath was 
required in Rowley. In Worcester the following form 
was used, viz. " In the presence of the great God, 
that Being who liveth for ever and ever, who knowelh 
the secrets of all hearts, we acknowledge that the agree- 
ment here subscribed is our free act, and solemnly 
swear that we will, by his grace assisting us, strictly 
perform the same, in its true and literal meaning, without 
20* 



234 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

any equivocation or mental reservation. So help us 
God." 

From the commencement of the troubles with the 
Mother Country up to 1774, there v^^ere those in Rowley 
who favored the royalists, not because they were actually 
enemies to the best interests of the Colonies, but be- 
cause it would in the end, (in their opinion,) prove 
worse than in vain for the Colonies at that time to con- 
tend with Great Britain. All such declined signing the 
Whig Covenant, and were denominated tories, enemies 
to their country, &c. It is believed, however, that, 
during this year, nearly all such persons, in Rowley, 
made and signed their recantations, which were published 
in the prints of the day, and their persons restored to 
favor. Their recantations were variously expressed, 
one or two of which follow, viz. 

" Whereas there have been several acts passed of 
late, by the British Parliament, contrary to our natural 
and charter rights, which have occasioned some measures 
to be entered into by the people in general in the Ameri- 
can Colonies, in order to defeat such pernicious bills, 
which are so dangerous in their consequences, from tak- 
ing place ; among which was a Covenant from the Com- 
mittee of Correspondence in Boston to the towns in this 
Province, tending to a general non-importation from, 
and exportation to the island of Great Britain ; and said 
Covenant has been offered to us to sign, and we have 
refused it. Therefore we now take this method to in- 
form the public, that we are heartily sorry for our so 
refusing, and do now solemnly promise, that we will 
sign said Covenant the first opportunity we have. We 
further solemnly promise, to agree to and be assisting in 
carrying into execution, as far as in us lies, any measures 



RECANTATIONS OF TORIES. 235 

that shall be thought most proper, and be entered into 
by the people in general, or by the result of the General 
Congress of these United Provinces. And we do fur- 
ther humbly ask the pardon, and beg forgiveness for our 
so offending, of the honorable gentlemen now present, 
and of all the people who are friends of American liber- 
ty, as we are deeply sensible we have behaved directly 
contrary to the welfare and prosperity of the insulted 
Provinces of North America. 
'' Rowley, October 7, 1774." 

Another ; 

" Whereas I, the subscriber, have, in my conduct of 
late, been acting in direct opposition to the welfare and 
prosperity of North America, I am deeply sensible I 
have thereby merited the just displeasure of every friend 
to American liberty. I do therefore freely acknowledge, 
that all those charges, which the committee have alleged 
against me, are true ; and therefore do humbly ask the 
pardon, and beg forgiveness of this committee, and of 
this respectable body, and of every other person who is 
a true friend to these insulted Provinces of North Ameri- 
ca, all of whom I am deeply sensible I have offended. 
I do likewise solemnly promise, that I. do abhor and do 
detest all the late proceedings of the British Parliament, 
tending to a new form of government in this Province, 
as I am deeply sensible they are contrived by wicked 
and designing men, and have a direct tendency to bring 
on the most abject slavery. I do further solemnly 
promise, that, for the future, I will never take any com- 
mission under the new form of government, nor act in 
conformity thereto, but be assisting in carrying into exe- 
cution, (as far as in me lies,) any measures that shall be 



236 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

thought most proper by the General Congress now sit- 
ting in Philadelphia, and hope hereby to be restored to 
the favor and friendship of the American sons of liberty, 
and that my future conduct shall be agreeable to our 
royal charter. 

'' Rowley, October 14, 1774." 

These recantations or submissions were usually made 
and signed in the presence of a voluntary meeting of the 
citizens, called for the purpose. 

At these meetings it was their practice, in Rowley, to 
proceed to organize themselves by the choice of a clerk 
and a committee, who were to draw up articles that had 
been alleged against the individual or individuals then 
before them for examination and trial. The articles 
being drawn up and read to the meeting, witnesses were 
then examined, and a vote taken, to see if the evidence 
was sufficient to support the charges. It was usually 
decided in the affirmative, as the accused found it diffi- 
cult to prove the negative side of the question. The 
committee then prepared a paper, containing the terms 
of submission and confessions of political transgressions, 
which the accused were required to sign, by a force too 
powerful to admit of a refusal. 

In one instance, however, in Rowley, an individual 
was presented to one of these self-created tribunals, who 
was found so difficult to handle, that " the said respect- 
able body took no further notice of him, than to unan- 
imously vote, that he was not worthy of any public 
notice." This individual afterwards proved to be one 
of the stanchest friends of liberty the town affi^rded. 
He commanded a company several campaigns during the 
war, and had the reputation of a good officer. 



LETTERS FROM BOSTON. 237 

1772, December 30. At a town meeting held for 
the purpose of taking into consideration a letter from 
Boston, and a pamphlet enclosed therein ; in which 
pamphlet there is an exposition of the rights of the col- 
onists, and of this Province in particular, as men, as 
Christians, and as subjects ; and a list of infringements 
and violations of rights ; and to pass such votes and Re- 
solves thereon, as the town shall judge proper. 

The selectmen laid before the town the letter and 
pamphlet, both of which being read, and after debate 
thereon, the town voted, That Humphrey Hobson, Esq., 
Richard Thurston, Stephen Mighill, Daniel SpofFord, 
Moses Hobson, Nathaniel Mighill, Samuel Northend, 
Thomas Lancaster, Moses Chaplin, Eliphalet SpofFord, 
Nathaniel Tenney, and Thomas Mighill, be a commit- 
tee to take into consideration the said letter and pam- 
phlet, and to report to the town, at an adjourned meeting, 
what they shall think proper for the town to do relative 
thereto. 

The meeting was then adjourned to the 20th day of 
January. 

The town met according to adjournment, and further 
adjourned to the 3d day of February. 

The town met according to adjournment, and the com- 
mittee reported the following answer to the letter from 
Boston, viz. 

" Gentlemen, — Your letter to the selectmen of this 
town, with the papers accompanying it, has by them been 
laid before us, and the important matters therein contain- 
ed, seriously considered by us ; and we are fully of opin- 
ion that the statement you have given of our religious 
and civil rights and privileges is very just, and that the 



238 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

infringements made upon them are very alarming, and give 
just cause of great uneasiness and complaint. 

'' Gentlemen, — Your readiness on all proper occasions 
to exert yourselves in the cause of liberty, merits our 
grateful acknowledgments ; and we do hereby assure 
you, that the high esteem we have of those our invalua- 
ble rights and privileges, and the deep sense we have of 
the grievances we labor under in consequence of the vi- 
olation of those rights, will at all times dispose us, with 
the utmost cheerfulness, to join you, and the rest of our 
brethren of this Province, in every constitutional meas- 
ure for the redress of those grievances, for the securing 
to ourselves and posterity the free and full enjoyment of 
those precious privileges, for which our fathers expended 
so much blood and treasure, and in humble supplica- 
tions to Almighty God for his direction, assistance, and 
blessing." 

Which answer being read, was adopted in a very full 
meeting, (one only voting in the negative,) and thereup- 
on ordered, " that an attested copy thereof be transmitted 
to the committee of correspondence in Boston." 

The committee also reported instructions to Hum- 
phrey Hobson, Esq., the Representative of this town in 
the General Court, as follows, viz. 

'' To Humphrey Hobson, Esq. 

" Sir, — We, his Majesty's loyal and dutiful subjects, 
freeholders and others, inhabitants of the town of Row- 
ley, in town meeting legally assembled, think fit to let 
you know, that, in a day of infringements, threatening to 
those our chartered rights and privileges, which we 
deem to be sacred, and which no man or men have a 
just right to take them, or any part thereof, from us or 
ours. 



LETTERS FROM BOSTON. 239 

'' We ^eel for ourselves, for our Province and country, 
for our nation, and for posterity, so as to be ready to do 
every thing in our power, to restore, defend, and pre- 
serve inviolate all our rights, civil and religious. 

"We do not think it needful for us to tell you what 
those rights are, or say wherein or by whom they are vi- 
olated ; but we cannot forget troops having been quar- 
tered in our metropolis, and that they fixed their guards, 
and planted their cannon, before our Court House, and 
continued them there, during the sitting of the General 
Assembly, and no remonstrance or petition of the Honor- 
able House of Representatives could prevail to remove 
them. The consequence of which was the removal of 
the General Court from the town of Boston. 

''We cannot forbear to lament, that the castle, built and 
maintained by this Province for our defence against our 
own and his Majesty's enemies, is taken from us, and 
put into the hands of those, who, in conjunction with the 
fleet stationed here, seem designed to keep us in awe, 
and force from us what is generally thought to be an un- 
constitutional tax. 

" One lamentable efTect of the introduction of fleets and 
armies, is the growth of vice and wickedness, which were 
before at such a height as to provoke God to visit us 
with a dispensation of wrath. 

" We also think it a great grievance, that, however w^e 
think ourselves oppressed by any of his Majesty's ser- 
vants that are in authority over us, yet we may not have 
an agent to present our petition to, and plead our cause 
before his INIajesty or his Ministers of State, without 
the consent of the Governor, who may, perhaps, him- 
self, be the man we have cause to complain of ; we may 
not cry to his and our Father, under burdens, unless 



240 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

our oppressor appoint the man by whom we shall cry. 
But we forbear. 

'' And though we have confidence in your wisdom and 
integrity, yet we think it proper to instruct you to main- 
tain to the utmost of your ability all and every of the 
privileges, religious and civil, which we yet enjoy ; 
and that with the same firmness and zeal you seek to re- 
cover and restore those which are violated ; seek it in 
constitutional ways, and thus you will have the approba- 
tion of your constituents. And we will not cease to 
pray God to guide you and the General Assembly, and 
make you the repairers of the breach, and the restorers 
of paths to dwell in. 

" The foregoing instructions, being read and consider- 
ed, were adopted by a very great majority. 

^' The foregoing Report, bearing the signatures of the 
committee, was ordered to be put upon record. 

''Attest. By Thomas Mighill, Moderator. 

Humphrey Hob son, Town Clerk.^^ 

1773, December 15. At a town meeting held for the 
purpose of taking into consideration a letter from Boston, 
and other papers contained therein, relating to the in- 
fringements and violations of our rights, by the East- 
India Company's endeavouring to force upon us great 
quantities of their tea, subject to a duty from us, and of 
the doings of the town of Boston thereon, and to pass 
such votes and resolves as the town shall judge proper. 

The selectmen laid before the town the letter and 
papers mentioned above. The same being read, and ma- 
turely considered, it was unanimously voted, That the fol- 
lowing letter be sent to the committee of correspondence 
for the town of Boston, attested by the town clerk, as 



LETTERS FROM BOSTON. 241 

containing the sense of the inhabitants of this town, rel- 
ative to the situation of affairs in the American Colonies. 

" Gentlemen, 

"We cannot but look upon the present posture of our 
public affairs, as being very alarming and critical ; we are 
persuaded, that the design of the East India Company, in 
sending their tea* to America, subject to the payment 
of duty here, by virtue of an act of the British Parliament, 
is to enforce the ministerial plan of governing us, and to 
draw from the Americans an implicit acknowledgment 
of the authority of that Parliament to impose a tax upon 
them without their consent. And that a determined and 
steady opposition to this their design, is the duty of every 
American freeman. 

''We gratefully acknowledge the vigilance and care 
of our brethren and friends in Boston and the adjacent 
towns, exerted not only in giving us early notice of the 
dangerous evils which are impending over our civil state, 
but also in making the most vigorous exertions to ward 
them off. And we do now declare our firm resolution, 
to adhere to, concur with, and, as far as we can, aid and 
support them, in all future proper measures that may be 
necessary and conducive thereunto." 

1774, August 3. At a town meeting, Nathaniel Mig- 
hill, Esq., Captain George Jewett, and Major Daniel 
Spofford, were appointed delegates to join with dele- 
gates from the several towns in this county, who are to 
convene at Ipswich, September 6, for the purpose of 
giving their advice to the people of this county as to 

* This tea was thrown overboard in Boston Harbour, December 
16, 1773. 

21 



242 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

what is best to be done by them in this day of distress 
and difficulty. 

1775, January 11. At a town meeting, it was voted, 
That the sum of £ 40 be granted for the relief of the 
suffering inhabitants of the town of Boston ; and that 
Nathaniel Mighill, Esq., be authorized to receive said 
sum from the collectors of this town, and ordered to pay 
the same to the committee of the town of Boston, ap- 
pointed to receive donations made for the relief of the 
poor of that town. 

At the same meeting, the town voted to allow each 
soldier in the town, belonging to the train bands, the sum 
of six pence per week, for five weeks, on condition that 
they would voluntarily turn out for drill, under their re- 
spective officers, half a day in each week. 

And the town further voted, That if one fourth part of 
the soldiers in the several train bands in the town will 
enlist as minute men, the town will pay to every such 
enlisted man one shilling per week, for his training half 
a day in each week, until the first day of April next, and 
after that one shilling and four pence per week, until 
they shall be called for by the Province, or dismissed by 
the town or Provincial Congress. 

At this meeting, Colonel Daniel Spofford, Thomas 
Mighill, and Captain Timothy Jackman were authorized 
to receive the bayonets belonging to the Province, (de- 
signed for distribution to the towns,) and they are to pro- 
vide a bayonet and cartridge-box for each soldier who 
shall enlist as a minute man, and sign the covenant this 
day read before the town. 

It was also voted. That Deacon Stephen Mighill be in- 
structed to pay the abovementioned grants to the soldiers, 
at the end of each month. 



CAUSES OF WAR. 243 

March 21. At a town meeting, it was voted to pay 
the minute men for training two half-days in each week, 
the same price for each half-day, as before allowed. 

1775. The commencement of this year was a period 
of great interest. The difficulties between the mother 
country and the Colonies, which had been gradually in- 
creasing in magnitude since the passage of the Stamp 
Act, (January 10, 1765,) seem to be now fast approaching 
to a decision by an appeal to arms. However ready and 
willing the colonists heretofore had been, to content 
themselves with the redress of grievances, and moderate 
concessions, it is now quite evident they are looking 
forward to a state of independence from the mother 
country. The following are among the causes of com- 
plaint which led the way to this contest, and American 
Independence. 

As before observed, the Stamp Act was passed by 
Parliament, January 10, 1765. This act being under 
consideration in the Parliament in 1764, the House of 
Representatives of Massachusetts, on the 14th day of 
June in that year, instructed their agent in London to 
remonstrate against the proposed stamp duty, and the 
subject was put off by Parliament to their next session, 
when it passed, and became a law. 

The first public opposition to acts of Parliament in 
Boston was on the 14th day of August, 1765. In the 
morning of that day, some pageantry was discovered to be 
suspended on liberty tree, so called, at the south part of 
the town. A promiscuous multitude assembled at the 
close of the day, cut down the pageantry, and carried it 
through the streets of the town, demolished a small edifice, 
and damaged the gardens of Andrew Oliver, Esq., Secre- 
tary of the Province, who had accepted the office of a 



244 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Stamp-master. A bonfire was then made of the effigies 
on Fort Hill. 

On the 26th of August, Governor Hutchinson's house 
was destroyed by a mob. 

Parhament repealed the Stamp Act, and passed the 
Declaratory Act, (March 18, 1766,) in which they as- 
sert, " they have the right to bind the Colonies in all cases 
whatsoever." The despotism discovered in this act 
alarmed all the Colonies, and was the means of uniting 
them for their common defence. 

Parliament passed an act, 1767, imposing a duty to 
be paid by the colonists, on paper, glass, painters' col- 
ors, and teas. 

In November, William Burch and Henry Hulton, 
Esqrs., two of the five commissioners of the customs, 
arrive at Boston. They were appointed to reside in the 
capital of Massachusetts Bay, to receive and distribute 
the revenue. 

The Massachusetts Circular Letter was sent, Febru- 
ary 11, 1768, to the sister Colonies, stating their griev- 
ances, and requesting them to harmonize with Massachu- 
setts in honorable and probable measures to obtain redress, 
which gave umbrage to the British administration. 

The first seizure made by the commissioners of the 
customs, was in Boston, June 10, on a wine vessel be- 
longing to John Hancock, Esq., then an eminent mer- 
chant in the town. The circumstances that attended this 
seizure occasioned much commotion and disorder for a 
short time. 

Governor Bernard (August 4) dissolved the Massa- 
chusetts General Court ; it being the punishment Lord 
Hillsborough instructed him to inflict, if they would not 
rescind the Circular Letter. 

During the month of August, the Boston merchants 



CAUSES OF WAR. 245 

agreed not to import any more British goods, till the 
Revenue Act was repealed. 

A convention of delegates from the various towns in 
Massachusetts Bay, met in Boston, September 22, to 
deliberate on constitutional measures, to obtain relief 
from their grievances. 

The 14th and 29th, and part of the 59th British reg- 
iments, in seven armed vessels, arrived September 28, 
at Boston, from Halifax, designed, at least, to awe the 
provincials into a compliance with the acts of Parlia- 
ment, however unconstitutional they might be. These 
troops were quartered in Boston, contrary to the remon- 
strances of the council, and the wishes of the citizens. 

A part of the 64th and 65th regiments, under Colo- 
nels Mackey and Pomeroy, arrived November 10, at 
Boston, from Ireland. 

The House of Lords, having, in their resolves of May, 
1769, censured the proceedings of Boston, the town 
forwarded a petition to the King in their vindication. 

Massachusetts new Assembly met in Boston, by 
precepts from Governor Bernard, ten months after he had 
dissolved the old Assembly ; it being the annual election 
day, agreeably to their charter. 

The time (1770), limited by the Boston merchants 
for non-importation, having expired, they renewed and 
extended their non-importation agreement, till the Rev- 
enue Acts should be repealed. 

On the evening of this memorable day, (March 5,) 
the massacre in Boston was perpetrated in King Street, 
(now State Street,) by a party of the 29th regiment, 
then under the orders of Captain Thomas Preston, in 
which five of the inhabitants were killed or mortally 
wounded, and three or four more were slightly wounded. 
21* 



246 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

This caused the citizens firmly and resolutely to insist on 
the troops being removed from the town to the Castle, 
and they were accordingly removed. 

Parliament repealed, in April, the duties on paper, 
glass, and painters' colors, but retained it on tea, to sup- 
port the claim of supremacy, which prevented its use. 

In May, Dennis de Berdt, Esq., Massachusetts Pro- 
vincial Agent in England, died, and was succeeded in 
that office by Dr. Benjamin Frankhn. 

Agreeably to a vote of the town of Boston, Captain 
Scott sailed this month for London, with the cargo of 
goods he had brought from thence, contrary to the non- 
importation agreement, to give evidence on the other 
side the water of the sincerity of ihe agreement. 

The election of counsellors for the Province of Mas- 
sachusetts Bay, was held (May 30) at Cambridge, con- 
formable to Governor Hutchinson's orders, but contrary 
to their charter, and the wish of the whole Province. 
The patriotic party celebrated the day in Boston. An 
ox was roasted on the common, and given to the popu- 
lace. 

Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson, by virtue of in- 
structions, delivered Castle William, in Boston Harbour, 
to Colonel Dalrymple, (September 10,) to be garrison- 
ed by British troops. 

October and November. The trial of Captain Preston 
and eight soldiers, for the massacre of the 5th of March 
last, was had before the Superior Court of Judicature, 
held in Boston. Two of the soldiers were found guilty 
of manslaughter, the others were acquitted. 

1771, May 11. Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson re- 
ceives a commission to be Governor and commander-in- 
chief of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. He re- 



CAUSES OF WAR. 247 

fuses the Provincial salary, and receives it out of the 
American revenue chest, being made independent of 
the people. This was esteemed by the people a dan- 
gerous innovation. 

1772, June 9. The King's armed schooner Gaspee^ 
having been troublesome to the trade of Rhode Island, 
was burnt. 

The Massachusetts General Court petitioned (June 
23, 1773,) the King to remove Governor Hutchinson, 
and Lieutenant-Governor Andrew Oliver, from their re- 
spective offices. 

November 22. A committee of correspondence was 
chosen in Boston. This is the foundation of the union 
of the American States. 

On the evening of December 16, three cargoes of 
tea, the property of the East India Company in London, 
were thrown into the docks in Boston, and destroyed by 
a number of persons disguised like the Indians.* 

The petition to remove Governor Hutchinson from 
the government, was dismissed (January, 1774,) by the 
King and Council, but he was, notwithstanding, soon after 
superseded. 

Major-General Thomas Gage arrived (May 14) with 
a commission to be Governor of the Province, and com- 
mander-in-chief of his Majesty's forces in North Amer- 
ica. 

The act of Parliament called the " Boston Port Bill," 
to shut up the port, as a punishment for destroying the 

* '' And when we went aboard the ships, our vengeance to administer, 
We did'nt care a tarnal bit, for any king or minister ; 
We made a plaguy mess o' tea in one of the biggest dishes; 
I mean we steep'd it in the sea, and treated all the fishes." 

Andrews. 



248 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

tea in December last, look effect June 1 . Many spirit- 
ed resolves were passed at the town meetings held in 
consequence of it. 

The new Governor was instructed to hold the General 
Court at Salem, and accordingly met there in June. At 
the close of the session, they chose five delegates to 
meet such as should be chosen by the other Colonies, 
to convene at Philadelphia, and take into consideration 
the alarming state of all ihe Colonies, he. This was the 
basis of the Continental Congress. 

General Gage received an act of Parliament, which 
altered the constitution of Massachusetts Bay, as it stood 
under the charter of William and Mary. 

Thomas Oliver, Esq., succeeds (August 8) Andrew 
Oliver, Esq., deceased, as Lieutenant-Governor. 

The first Continental Congress convened (September 
5) at Philadelphia, consisting of delegates from the 
twelve United Colonies, viz. New Hampshire, Massa- 
chusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New 
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, 
North Carolina, and South Carolina. (Georgia united 
afterwards.) 

They passed sundry resolves declaring their rights. 
They agreed on a joint petition to the King for re- 
dress of grievances, and formed an association for the 
purposes of non-importation, non-consumption, and non- 
exportation, for continuing the total disuse of tea, to en- 
courage frugality, promote agriculture, arts, manufac- 
tures, and discountenance extravagance, he. 

1775, January 10. Lord Chatham zealously espoused 
the cause of the Colonies, and in the most explicit man- 
ner delivered his sentiments in the House of Lords. 
He moved for an address to his Majesty, " to re- 



CAUSES OF WAR. 249 

move the troops from Boston, as necessarily preparative 
to the restoration of peace." 

'' I wish not, my Lords," said he, " to lose a day in 
this urgent, pressing crisis. One hour now lost in allay- 
ing the ferment in America, may produce years of ca- 
lamity. I contend not for indulgence, but justice, to 
America. I shall ever contend, that the Americans 
justly owe obedience to the legislature of Great Britain 
in a Hmited degree. They owe us obedience to our 
ordinary trade and navigation ; but let the line be skil- 
fully drawn between the subjects of these ordinances, 
and their private internal property.* Let the sacred- 
ness of their property remain inviolate. Let it be tax- 
able only by their own consent, given in their provincial 
assemblies. Else it will cease to be property. 

" The victory can never be obtained by exertions. 
Our force would be most disproportionably exerted 
against a brave, generous, and united people, with arms 
in their hands, and courage in their hearts. Three mil- 
lions of people, the genuine descendants of a valiant and 
pious ancestry, driven to those deserts by the narrow 
maxims of superstitious tyranny, cannot be conquered. 
And is the spirit of tyrannous persecution never to be 
repealed ? Are the brave sons of those brave fore- 
fathers to inherit their sufferings, as they have inherited 
their virtues .'* 

'' The Bostonians have been condemned unheard, 
[alluding to the Boston Port Bill, as a punishment for 
destroying the East India Company's teas.] The in- 
discriminating hand of vengeance has lumped together 
innocent and guilty, with all the formalities of hostilities, 

* Internal taxes were the bone of contention. — Franklin. 



250 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

and reduced to beggary and indigence thirty thousand 
inhabitants. 

" The glorious spirit of whiggism animates three mil- 
lions in America, who prefer poverty with liberty, to 
gilded chains and sordid affluence, and who will die in 
defence of their rights, as men, as freemen. Every mo- 
tive of justice and of policy, of dignity and of freedom, 
urges you to allay the ferment in America, by a re- 
moval of your troops from Boston, by a repeal of your 
acts of Parliament, and by demonstrations of an amiable 
disposition towards your Colonies. On the other hand, 
every danger and every hazard impend, to deter you 
from perseverance in your present ruinous measures. 
Foreign war hanging over your head by a single thread ; 
France and Spain watching your conduct, and waiting 
for the maturity of your errors, with a vigilant eye to 
America, and the temper of our colonists," he. 

In this manner spake this great, this honest statesman, 
but his voice was not attended to ; and they persevered 
in what his lordship calls, with great propriety, their 
ruinous measures. 

Hostilities were commenced, (April 19,) by a detach- 
ment of the British troops, ordered from Boston by 
Governor-General Gage ; and, having advanced to Lex- 
ington, about twelve miles from the capital, on seeing a 
company of militia parading there, they fired on them 
while dispersing, killed eight of them, and wounded 
many others. They then proceeded to Concord, to de- 
stroy some provincial military stores ; but being opposed 
by the country militia, they returned to Boston with 
much difficulty, and not without the loss of two hundred 
and seventy-three killed, wounded, and missing. At this 
time the American war commencedj and the country raili- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 251 

tia invested Boston, where the British troops were quar- 
tered. 

The Bostonians delivered up their fire-arms, by agree- 
ment with the Governor, as a condition of their removing 
into the country. The Governor failed in some part of 
the agreement, to their injury.* Boston now became 
the King's garrison. 

News of the battle at Lexington was brought to Row- 
ley the same day ; and Captain Thomas Mighill, with 
his company of minute men, immediately left for Bos- 
ton, and marched as far as Newell's tavern in Lynn, 
where they halted a short time for refreshment and rest, 
and, after another rapid march, arrived in Cambridge 
early in the forenoon of the 20th ; and after remaining 
five days they returned home. Captain Edward Payson, 
with his company of militia, arrived in Cambridge the 
same day, and after remaining three days returned home. 

Massachusetts Provincial Congress renounced (May 
5) General Gage as their Governor, and disclaimed pay- 
ing obedience to his acts or proclamations. His juris- 
diction was now confined within the walls of the capital. 

The town of Rowley order their selectmen, (May 8,) 
to provide a blanket for each soldier who may enlist 
into the service of the Province. 

They also appointed Colonel Daniel SpofFord, Dr. 
Nathaniel Cogswell, Samuel Harriman, and Samuel 
Northend, a committee of correspondence. 

And they further voted. That they would not comply 
with the request of General Gage, in electing a person 
to represent the town in the Great and General Court, 
to be holden at Boston, 

* See declaration made by Provincial Congress, July 6, 1775. 



252 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

May 29. The town made choice of Nathaniel Mighill, 
Esq., to represent this town in the Provincial Congress, 
to be holden at the meeting-house in Watertown, the 
31st instant. 

They also voted, That the town will comply with the 
several resolves of the Provincial Congress, which have 
been laid before them and duly considered ; and that the 
committee of correspondence appointed by the town on 
8th instant, be authorized to see that said resolves are 
duly regarded and executed. 

Nathaniel Mighill, Esq., was chosen (July H) by the 
town, to represent them in the Great and General Court 
to be holden at Watertown, the 19th instant. 

1776, March 19. The town appointed Colonel Dan- 
iel SpofFord, Captain Joseph Scott, Captain Richard 
Thurston, Nathaniel Tenney, Captain William Stickney, 
Jonathan Harriman, Deacon Moses Chaplin, Doctor 
Nathaniel Cogswell, and Ephraim Pickard, a committee 
of safety. 

John Jewett, Timothy Jackman, Jeremiah Searle, 
Samuel Pickard, and Isaac Smith, were chosen and 
sworn, (April 17,) to number the inhabitants of the 
town, agreeably to an order of Court. 

The town voted, (May 22,) That if the Honorable 
Congress shall, for the safety of the Colonies, declare 
them independent of Great Britain, that we, the inhab- 
itants of the town of Rowley, do solemnly engage, that 
with our lives and fortunes we will support them in the 
measure. 

The town voted, (July 23,) to raise the sum of £400, 
to be paid as bounty to the men who have been, or may 
be, raised or enlisted in this town to serve in the present 
unhappy war. And Thomas Lancaster, town treasurer, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 253 

was ordered to hire said sum, and to pay over the same to 
the officers in this town employed in raising men for said 
war, to be by them paid out to the men raised, under the 
direction of Nathaniel Mighill, Solomon Nelson, Jr., Mo- 
ses Chaplin, Timothy Jackman, Jeremiah Jewett, Jere- 
miah Searle, and Stephen Jewett, a committee for the 
purpose. And the said committee were directed to deter- 
mine what term of service in the war shall constitute a 
soldier's turn, and how much money the town shall pay, 
in addition to the encouragement given by the General 
Court of this Colony, to each soldier who serves his 
term in the war. 

September 10. One fifth part of the militia of the 
State were ordered to march immediately to New York ; 
one fourth part of the residue to be equipped, and ready 
to march at a moment's warning. 

At a town meeting held October 4, it was voted, 
That this town do give their consent, that the present 
House of Representatives of this State of Massachu- 
setts Bay, in New England, together with the Council, 
if they consent in one body with the House, and by equal 
voice, should consult, agree on, and enact such a con- 
stitution and form of government for this State, as the 
said House of Representatives and Council, (as afore- 
said,) on the fullest and most mature deliberation, shall 
judge will most conduce to the safety, peace, and happi- 
ness of the State, in all after successions and generations. 

Voted, That the said constitution or form of govern- 
ment be made public, for the inspection and perusal of 
the inhabitants of the State, before the ratification there- 
of by the Assembly. 

Voted, That a certified copy of the foregoing votes 
be transmitted to the Secretary of this State. 
22 



254 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

1777, January 17. The town voted, That those men 
who have done service in the present war, and who have 
not received any portion of the town's bounty money, 
be entitled to receive from the town as follows, viz. 

The 8 months' men at Cambridge, £ 4 lawful money each. 



u 2 " 




a 


Roxbury, 


15 




ii 


ti 


" H " 




iC 


<( 


150 




It 


(( 


u 12 u 




a 


New York, 


900 




(( 


(( 


a 2 « 




(( 


(i 


600 




« 


« 


u 3 u 




(( 


(( 


(300 




« 


(( 


« Canady 


men, 


<c 


600 




(t 


(( 


" Dorchester 


men, 


(( 


100 




li 


li 



March 10. Town voted, To raise <£ 750 immediate- 
ly, to be paid as an additional bounty to those who may 
enlist into the Continental army. 

Voted, That Captain Benjamin Adams, Lieutenant 
John Seaile, and Lieutenant Thomas Pike, be a com- 
mittee to raise or hire fifty men, to complete this town's 
quota, as required by Continental orders, and that they 
raise or hire said men immediately. 

Voted, That Stephen INlighill, Benjamin Stickney, 
and Stephen Jewelt, be a committee to hire the said 
sum of £750. And they are to pay over five hundred 
dollars of the same to the committee appointed to hire 
the men. The committee to hire men being held ac- 
countable for the same. 

March 18. Captain Thomas Mighlll, Captain Richard 
Thurston, Nathaniel Tenney, William Todd, and Jon- 
athan Harriman, were appointed a committee of safety. 

At this meeting, a lengthy report was made by John 
Jewett, Jeremiah Searle, and Timothy Jackman, a com- 
mittee for the purpose ; accompanied by a roll, contain- 
ing the names and amount of service each person be- 
longing to the town, and borne thereon, had performed 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 255 

during the present war. (This report is not on record 
or to be found on file.) 

At this meeting the town voted to raise, and ordered 
to be assessed, the sum of £ 1 ,200, for the support of the 
war ; and ordered, that all those persons whose names 
are borne on said roll, be credited on the tax bills the 
amount of their several taxes, and the balances due them 
over and above their taxes, to stand as a charge against 
the town, till another war tax be raised. 

And the town further ordered, that the remainder of 
said £ 1,200 be collected and paid over to Stephen 
Mighill, and others, a committee appointed by the town 
at their meeting held on the 10th day of March instant, 
for the purpose of hiring £ 750, the said committee to be 
held accountable to the town for the same. The money 
to be applied to hiring soldiers for the present war. 

May 13. It having been ascertained that this town's 
quota of men for the Continental army, to serve three 
years or during the war, amounted to fifty-eight instead 
of fifty, as stated and provided for at a meeting of the 
town held on the lOih day of March last, and it appearing 
that eight men are still wanting for that service, and that 
they must be procured on or before the 28th instant, 
therefore, 

The town voted. That, if a sufficient number of the 
eight months' men will enlist into the aforesaid three years' 
service, they would give suitable encouragement to a like 
number to supply their places for the eight months' ser- 
vice ; when Thomas Mighill, Benjamin Adams, Stephen 
Jewett, Isaac Smith, Ephraiin Pickard, Moses Hobson, 
Benjamin Stickney, and David Mighill, came forward 
and agreed to enlist into the eight months' service, pro- 
vided a like number of the eight months' men would enlist 



256 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

into the three years' service. The committee appointed 
on the said 10th day of March last to hire the fifty men, 
are instructed to procure the additional eight men, on or 
before the said 28th instant. 

Voted, The town will comply with the resolves or 
advice of the committee of safety of the County of 
Essex, made at a late convention held at Ipswich. 

At a meeting, July 8, Captain Thomas Mighill, being 
a person firmly attached to the American cause, was 
elected by ballot, to proceed, agreeably to a late act of 
the General Court of this State, against all such persons 
as appear to be of inimical dispositions toward this, 
or any of the United States. 

Mr. Moses Stickney, Colonel Daniel Spofford, Cap- 
tain Joseph Poor, Lieutenant Isaac Smith, and Mr. 
Thomas Merrill, were appointed a committee, agreeable 
to a late act of the General Court, to prosecute all breaches 
of the act to prevent monopoly and oppression. 

August 13. The town voted. To give each able- 
bodied man who shall serve for the town, in the Continental 
army, till the last day of November next, the sum of ten 
pounds lawful money ; one half to be paid in clothing and 
provisions, if the soldiers choose it. (The number called 
for is to equal one sixth part of the train bands in town.) 

August 15. The town met by adjournment, and no 
persons having appeared to enlist, the town voted, That 
the number of men necessary to supply the present call 
shall be drafted, and that each drafted man shall be entitled 
to receive ten pounds as aforesaid. 

November 7. The town voted, That Nathaniel Gage, 
Humphrey Saunders, Stephen Mighill, Jedediah Stick- 
ney, and Solomon Nelson, Jr., be a committee to hire, 
at the town's expense, twenty-six men to serve in the 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 257 

guard at Cambridge. (To guard Burgoyne's army, cap- 
tured October 17th.) 

Voted, That the committee pay each of said twenty- 
six men, on his enlisting, the sum of four pounds, as 
advanced pay ; the selectmen to furnish the money out 
of any unappropriated town's money now in their hands. 

Novemher 24. Voted, That Captain Thomas Mighill, 
Colonel Daniel SpofFord, Lieutenant Rufus Wiieeler, 
Captain Timothy Jackman, and Lieutenant Samuel 
Pickard, be a committee to hire men when needed to 
serve in the army for the future. 

Voted, That the last-named committee hire men to 
relieve the twenty-six men from this town, now in the 
guard at Cambridge, and to pay each man three pounds, 
out of town's money, as advanced pay. First giving the 
men that are now with Lieutenant Benjamin Stickney, 
in said guard, the offer of remaining if they will serve as 
cheap as others may be hired. 

Voted, To Jacob Jewett, for money advanced, viz. 

To John Kilborn, now in the Continental arni}^, . . £ 15 

" Asa JNelson, for do. to Aaron Cromby, now in do. . . 15 
" Captain Benjamin Adams, men for three months' service, 

each 20 

*' Lieutenant Paul Lancaster's men for one month's service, 
viz. Caleb Jackson, Aaron Pingree, Jonathan Foster, and 
Isaac Burpee, each G 13 4 

December 15. Voted, That the committee appointed 
on the 7th day of November last, to hire men for the 
guard at Cambridge, be instructed to withdraw said men, 
on the best terms they can make with them. And also 
voted. That the town's pay to said men be discontinued 
from and after the 17th instant.* 



* To this time the n^en from Rowley, in the guard, had been wholly 
paid by the town. 

22* 



258 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

December 29. The town voted, To raise the sum of 
£ 800, lo defray charges of tlie war, in addition to the 
£ 1,200 granted last March, to be assessed therewith. 
Ordered, That the assessors credit each man belonging to 
the town and now in the service, the amount of their 
several taxes, the same to be deducted from their wages. 

Ordered, That the men now in the guard at Cambridge 
or Winter Hill, be paid their wages out of said <£ 800, and 
that the residue be paid into the town treasury. 

Ordered, That the men with Lieutenant Benjamin 
Stickney, now serving in the aforesaid guard, receive 
from the town so much as shall make their wages amount 
to <£ 10 per month, including their advance pay, and 
what they receive from the Continent and Stale ; their 
term of service to be reckoned from the commencement 
of their service, to two days after ihey shall be relieved 
and dismissed from the camp. 

Ordered, That Captain Thomas Mighill, and others, 
a committee appointed on the 7lh day of November last, 
be instructed lo hire a sufficient number of men to re- 
lieve those from this town now in the aforesaid guard, 
and if they cannot hire for the whole term that men may 
be needed in that guard, then they may hire for a shorter 
period, and afterwards hire others to take their places. 

Ordered, That said committee be authorized to pay 
the men they hire, so much money as shall be necessary 
to bear their expenses in going to and returning from the 
place of service, and to agree to pay them one dollar per 
day while in service, to pay them ten dollars in advance; 
provided, however, the committee are to hire men on 
better terms if they can. 

1778, February 23. The town voted. That Colonel 
Daniel SpofFord, Ephraim Pickard, and Ezekiel Brad- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 259 

Street, be added to the committee, appointed March 10, 
1777, for the purpose of hiring soldiers for the Conti- 
nental army. 

Voted, That Colonel Daniel SpofFord and Ephraim 
Pickard be empowered to hire on the town's credit, so 
much money as may be necessary to enable the commit- 
tee to hire as many men as is now wanted to complete 
this town's quota of soldiers for the Continental arn)y, . 
Ordered, That the firearms and other articles lately 
drawn by this town, under an order of the General 
Court, be disposed of by selling the same to the inhab- 
itants of this town, and to none others. 

The town instructed their representative in the Gen- 
eral Court, to use his influence in favor of a confedera- 
tion and perpetual union of all the States. 

March 17. The town appointed Thomas Mighill, 
Jeremiah Hazen, Amos Nelson, Nelson Todd, and Jo- 
seph Poor, a committee of safely. 

Voted, To raise the sum of £ 1,500 for the support 
of the war, to be assessed upon the polls and estates 
within the town. 

Ordered, That the assessors credit each man belong- 
ing to the town, and now in the service, the amount of 
their several taxes, the same to be deducted from their 
wages. 

March 23. The town voted. That Jeremiah Mig- 
hill, Joseph Poor, and Thomas Merrill, be a committee 
to raise one subaltern and twelve privates, to serve in 
the guard at Winter Hill, for three months, or till the 3d 
day of July next. The committee to pay them one 
month's wages in advance, and the residue at the expira- 
tion of their term of service. 

At this meeting, the new form of government, agreed 



260 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

on by the Council and House of Representatives of this 
State, was read for the information and consideration of 
the town, to be acted upon at a future meeting. 

April 7. At a meeting called, to see if the town will 
agree to submit the new form of government to the con- 
sideration of a county convention to be appointed for 
that purpose, and to appoint delegates to said convention, 
agreeably to the recommendation of the town of Newbu- 
ryport, the question being stated to the town, it passed 
in the negative. 

April 27. At a meeting called, the selectmen pre- 
siding, the constitution or new form of government was 
read and debated, article by article, and the greatest ob- 
jections were offered against the fifth, sixth, ninth, nine- 
teenth, and thirty-fourth articles, when the town voted to 
refer the consideration of those articles to Captain Ben- 
jamin Adams, Captain Timothy Jackman, Dr. Parker 
Cleaveland, Captain Thomas Mighill, and Mr. Jacob 
Jewett, with instructions to consider the same, and re- 
port their opinion thereon at an adjourned meeting. The 
meeting was then adjourned to the 21st day of May. 

May 21. The town met, and again adjourned to the 
1st day of July. 

July 1. The town met, and after hearing the report 
of their committee, and duly considering the same, it 
being found that the town were much divided in opinion 
on the subject of adopting the aforementioned constitu- 
tion and form of government, they voted to leave the 
subject open and undetermined for the present, liable to 
be taken up and acted upon at a future meeting called for 
the purpose. 

1778, May 4. The town met and voted. That the 
committee of safety, appointed on the 17th day of March 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 261 

last, be a committee to hire twenty men to serve in the 
war. 

Voted, To raise the sum of £ 500 for the support of 
the present war, to be assessed with the £ 1,500, grant- 
ed on the 23d day of March last. 

Voted, That said committee hire the said twenty men 
on the most reasonable terms they can, and pay them in 
money or provisions as the committee think best. And 
the committee are authorized to hire as much money, on 
the town's credit, as they may need for paying said men. 

May 11. The town met and voted, That the com- 
mittee appointed, on the 4th instant, to hire the eight 
months' men, be also a committee to hire nine men to 
serve nine months in the continental army ; and the 
committee are authorized to give each man, on his en- 
listing, the sum of four hundred dollars, upon which a 
number of men in the meeting offered to enlist if the 
town would give them five hundred dollars each ; where- 
upon the town voted, to give each man five hundred dol- 
lars, who should enhst and pass muster. 

June 9. The town met and voted to raise, and or- 
dered to be assessed, the sum of £ 2,000 for ihe sup- 
port of the present war. 

At this meeting, Thomas Pingree was hired to enter 
into the service. 

June 26. The town met, and appointed Samuel 
Harriman, Jonathan Pickard, and Moses Dole, a com- 
mittee to hire for the army one subaltern and nine 
men ; and the committee are authorized to hire, on the 
town's credit, what money they may want to enable them 
to procure the said subaltern and men. 

Voted, That Captain Thomas Mighill, Captain Ben- 
jamin Adams, and Dr. Parker Cleaveland, be a com- 



262 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

mittee to inquire into the state of the militia in the town, 
and to ascertain if there be any men now in commission 
to command them. 

Voted, That all the men, belonging to the militia in 
this town, be requested to meet in their several parishes, 
and express their opinion as to what regiment they 
should choose to join, and to choose one man from each 
parish to meet as a committee, to consider what is best 
to be done for the organization of the militia of this 
town. 

July 8. The town met, and appointed Moses Saw- 
yer, David Burpee, and Reuben Pearson, a committee 
to hire six men to serve in the guard at Winter Hill, or 
where General Heath may order. The said men are to 
be engaged for a term not exceeding six months, and 
they are to receive as much advance pay as the com- 
mittee may agree on, and the balance of their wages at 
the expiration of their term of service. 

July 30. The town met, and appointed Thomas 
Lambert, David Jewett, Joseph Pike, Abraham Foster, 
and Benjamin Adains, Jr., a committee to procure one 
subaltern and twenty privates, to serve in the army, 
agreeable to state orders. 

Voted, That if any will voluntarily enlist, they shall 
be paid in as ample a manner as any men have hereto- 
fore been paid for like service, and the committee are 
authorized to give each man ten pounds advance pay, 
the balance of their wages to be paid at the expiration 
of their term of service. The men when enlisted, are 
to have the privilege of choosing a first lieutenant, to 
serve under. 

September 14. The town met, and appointed John 
Adams, Amos Dresser, Lieutenant Benjamin Stickney, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 26S 

Richard Tenney, and Nathaniel Barker, a comtniitee to 
procure one second lieutenant and nine privates, as or- 
dered by Colonel Cogswell. Said comnniitee are to 
hire the men by the monih, on as reasonable terms as 
they can, and give them as much advance pay as the 
committee think best, the balance of their wages to be 
paid at the expiration of their term of service. 

September 22. The town met, and appointed Hum- 
phrey Hobson, Thomas Green, Moses P. Payson, 
Deacon Stephen Mighill, Colonel Daniel Spofford, 
Aaron Nelson, Lieutenant Samuel Northend, Jeremiah 
Jewett, and Lieutenant Rufus Wheeler, a committee to 
procure such number of men, as shall be equal to one 
third part of all the men in this town belonging to the 
train band, to serve in the present war, agreeable to a 
late order. The committee are to hire on the best terms 
they can, and give as much advance pay as they may 
think besi, the balance of wages to be paid at the ex- 
piration of their term of service. The men to be hired 
by the month. 

October 5. A new committee is appointed, and in- 
structed to hire the second lieutenant and nine privates, 
called for by Colonel Cogswell. They are to hire on the 
same terms and conditions as the former committee, on 
the 14th September last, were instructed to do. 

November IS. The town voted. That the sum of 
£2,148 12s. 6d. be granted, and assessed for the sup- 
port of the present war. To be credited and paid as 
other grants for the same purpose have heretofore been. 

December 21. The town appointed Moses Clark, 
Asa Plumer, Jonathan Harriman, Rufus Wheeler, and 
Oliver Tenney, a committee to take measures calculated 
to prevent the spread of the small-pox in town. The 



gg4 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

town declined opening any house (in town), for the pur- 
pose of inoculation with small-pox. 

1779, March 16. The town appointed John Jewett, 
Aaron Nelson, John Adams, Nathaniel Mighill, Esq., 
and Captain Timothy Jackman, a committee of safety. 

May 12. The town met, and the question was put, 
to see if it be the minds of the town to have a new 
constitution, or form of government made ; and it passed 
in the negative, two only voting in the affirmative. 

June 9. The town appointed a committee to procure 
five men to serve as soldiers, in the State of Rhode 
Island, until the 1st day of January next, unless sooner 
discharged. The committee are to hire on the best terms 
they can, and agree to pay in either money or provisions, 
as they think best. And appointed a committee to pro- 
cure eleven men to serve in the Continental army, for 
the term of nine months, and the same instructions given 
as to the last before named committee. 

Meeting adjourned to 

June 28. When the town ordered Captain Benjamin 
Adams, to make return of Thomas Pingree, as a Conti- 
nental soldier in Captain Whipple's company. Colonel 
Putnam's regiment. And also, to ascertain the number 
of our Continental soldiers now in service, and to see if 
the town have provided their full quota of men. 

The town appointed Phineas Dodge to provide for 
Abel Dodge's family while he is in the service, Lieutenant 
Mark Creasey to provide for David Hobson's family. 
Deacon Moses Clark, and Lieutenant James Todd, to 
provide for Jonathan Stickney's family, Joseph Jewett 
to provide for Adoniram Hidden and mother. 

July 7. The town met, and the selectmen, presiding, 
brought before the town the doings of the General 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 265 

Court, as passed on the 15th day of June last, relative 
to calling a convention of delegates to meet at Cam- 
bridge, for the purpose of forming a constitution for this 
State. The question being put, to see if the town will 
choose one or more delegates to said convention, passed 
in the affirmative. A motion was made to choose three, 
which passed in the affirmative ; when Nathaniel Mighill 
Esq., Colonel Daniel SpofFord, and Dr. Parker Cleave- 
land, were chosen. 

Voted, as the sense of this town, that the delegates just 
chosen be instructed to use their influence in favor of pro- 
mulgating printed copies of the form of the constitution, 
which may be agreed on in convention, among the people 
of the State, for their deliberate consideration, previous 
to their being called upon to ratify or reject the same. 

July 7. The selectmen were instructed to hire four 
men to serve in the guard at Boston, when needed. 

Ordered, That one of the committe of safety attend 
the convention which is to be holden at Concord. 

August 10. The town voted. That they will comply 
with the recommendations of the convention, holden at 
Concord on the 14th day of July last. And proceeded 
to appoint a committee of fourteen, to regulate the prices 
of innholders, men's labor, teaming, manufactured and 
other articles, in proportion to the rates of the necessa- 
ries of life, as estimated by said convention. 

August 26. The town voted. To comply with the 
recommendations of the county convention, holden at 
Ipswich on the 19th instant. And also voted. To ac- 
cept the report of the committee appointed at the last 
meeting, held the 10th instant, on the subject of regulat- 
ing the prices of various articles, he. 

Voted, To choose a committee of fifteen, to carry into 
2.3 



266 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. . 

effect the object recommended in the resolves of said coun- 
ty convention ; when Lieutenant Amos Bailey, Joshua 
Pickard, Colonel Daniel Spofford, Lieutenant Thomas 
Merrill, Jonathan Harriman. Asa Nelson, Phineas Dodge, 
Captain Joseph Poor, Dr. Parker, jQleaveland, Cap- 
tain Timothy Jackman, Lieutenant Isaac Smith, Joshua 
Jackson, Nathaniel Gage, Lieutenant Mark Creasey, 
and Edward Saunders, were chosen. Voted, To add 
to said committee, such of the selectmen and committee 
of safety, as have not already been appointed thereon, 
viz. of the selectmen, Paul Jewelt, Thomas Mighill, 
and Paul Lancaster ; and of the committee of safety, 
Ensign John Jewett, Nathaniel Mighill, Esq., Aaron 
Nelson, and John Adams. 

Voted, That the committee be instructed to proceed 
with caution, candor, and impartiality, as well as perse- 
verance, in dealing with offenders, by first trying all pos- 
sible gentle methods to argue and persuade them to a 
compliance with the regulations ; but, if, after all these 
delicate methods have been used, it shall appear that 
wilful obstinacy is their determination, in breaking over 
the laudable designs of saving our currency, then proceed 
with firmness in publishing their names to the world, as 
enemies to their country, thereby fixing upon them, that 
odium and perpetual disgrace, which can be equalled by 
nothing but the malignancy of their crime. 

Great distress was at this time experienced, from the 
depreciation of the currency, the exorbitant price of the 
necessaries of life, and the distrust of public credit. A 
convention assembled at Concord, on the ]4th of July, 
composed of delegates from all parts of the State, for the 
purpose of consulting on measures calculated to give 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



267 



effect to the recommendations of Congress, for the re- 
lief of the people, 

A county convention assembled at Ipswich, on the 
19th day of August, (as before stated,) when a scale of 
prices was by them fixed, and resolutions adopted to ad- 
here to and execute the regulations. 

The report of the committee of the town of Rowley, 
appointed for the purpose of fixing the price of labor, 
&c., on the 10th of August last, does not appear upon 
the record ; but the prices of the necessaries of life 
having been established by the State convention, and the 
prices of other articles and things, as set in some other 
towns, having been ascertained, it is believed the follow- 
ing prices stated, as of November, 1776, and August, 
1779, will pretty accurately show the depreciation of the 
currency in that interval. 





1776. 


1779. 




£ s. d. 


£ s. d. 


Corn per bushel. 


.030 


3 12 


Rye, " ... 

Wheat, " . . . 


4 6 
.068 


5 2 
8 2 


Oats, '' ... 


1 9 


1 16 


Cider, per bbl.. 


.040 


4 


Hay per cwt. (Eng.), 
Labor per day, 


3 
.030 


1 10 

2 14 


Woman's labor per week, 




2 


Beef per lb., 


.003 


5 6 


Mutton and veal, . 


3^ 


3 6 


Butter per lb., 


.009 


11 


Cheese, " ... 


6 


5 6 


Wool, "... 


, 


1 4 


Men's shoes per pair, 
Stockings, *' 
Shirts of tow cloth, 


7 6 


6 

3 12 

4 16 Q 


Tow cloth per yard, . 


.023 





268 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Various other things are mentioned in 1776, and omit- 
ted in 1779, viz. peas, 75., beans, 65., potatoes, Is. 6d., 
fresh-pork, 4(/., salt- pork, 7c/., dinners at taverns, 8c?., 
suppers or breakfasts, of coffee, tea, or chocolate, 8c/., 
lodgings, 4c/., (sleeping on the floor not to be considered 
as lodging.) Flip or toddy, made with New England 
rum, mug, 9c/. ; cotton and linen homespun cloth, yard 
wide, 35. 6d. per yard. Breeches, of the best deer's 
leather, for men, £2 2s. Od., beaver hats, first quality, 
£2 25., felt hats, 75. 

September 29. The town appointed a committee to 
hire, on the best terms they can, seven men to serve in 
the guard at Boston. 

Ordered, That the selectmen and committee of safety 
provide thirty blankets for the Continental soldiers, to 
give no more than the price set by the late convention. 

Voted, That the sum of £3,000 be granted and as- 
sessed to pay the seventeen men, now to be raised for 
the Continental army. 

October 13. The town appointed a committee to 
hire seventeen men, including a first lieutenant, for the 
Continental army, they to hire as cheap as they can, 
and agree to pay them in money or provisions, as the 
committee think best. If any men in the town will 
enlist, the committee are authorized to give them each 
£ 80 per month, but not exceed that sum, even if they 
have to go out of town to hire. 

November 3. The committee appointed on the 
13th ultimo, to hire seventeen men for the Continental 
army, having obtained but a part of the number at the 
price limited by the town, the town now authorize the 
committee to get the remainder on the best terms they 
can. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 359 

Voted, To raise and assess £ 5,960, for the support 
of the war. 

1780, March 21. The town appointed Jacob Jewett, 
Asa Chaplin, Noyes Pearson, Mark Creasey, and 
Thomas Merrill, a committee of safety. 

Ordered, That the sum of £ 12,000 be raised and 
assessed, to pay the nine months' men, so called. 

April 25. The committee appointed June 9, 1779, 
to hire eleven men for nine months' service in the Conti- 
nental army, ask the town to instruct them how to 
settle with the men, under the present depreciated state 
of the currency ; whereupon the town order the com- 
mittee to pay them according to their agreement, in the 
best way they can. 

May 31. The town voted. To raise the sum of 
£ 8,000, for the support of the war, to be assessed with 
the £ 12,000, granted in March last ; and that Indian 
corn be received in payment at seventy dollars per 
bushel. 

April 20. The town voted. That the committee of 
safety be a committee to hire what soldiers the town 
may be obliged to raise the present year ; to hire as 
cheap as they can, and the town will indemnify them. 

April 20. The town, having met to take into consid- 
eration the new proposed constitution, or form of gov- 
ernment, attended to the reading of the same, and after 
debate thereon, the meeting was adjourned to the 4th 
day of May next, one o'clock, P. M. 

May 4. The town met, according to adjournment, 
and proceeded to vote for or against the several articles 
of the Constitution, taking them up in the order in which 
they stand, acting upon each separately. 

The votes being given in, stood as follows, viz. 
23* 



270 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



BILL OF RIGHTS. (Constitution, continued.) (Constitution, continued, 



Art. 1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 



For. Against. 
109 



101 
88 
107 
110 
109 
109 
112 
115 



4 
57 
4 

4 
2 
4 




12 123 
113 2 



115 

105 
115 
105 
101 

99 
101 
101 

65 
105 
117 
118 
125 
126 
137 
126 
136 
135 
139 



CONSTITUTION. 

Chapter 1. 

General Court. 

Section 1. 

Art. 1 55 

2 55 

3 55 

4 55 

Senate. 
Section 2. 
Art. 1 38 11 
2 42 10 



For. Against. 

Art. 3 42 2 

4 47 

5 43 3 

6 44 

7 42 

8 42 

9 38 

House of Representa- 
tives. 
Section 3. 

Art. 1 28 

2 27 4 

3 29 2 

4 32 2 

5 34 

6 34 

7 34 

8 34 

9 46 

10 43 

11 42 

Chapter 2. 

Governor. 

Section 1. 

Art. 1 35 4 

2 4 31 

3 29 2 

4 30 

5 36 

6 30 

7 23 11 

8 29 

9 30 

10 23 3 

11 27 

12 29 

13 14 4 

Section 2. 

Art, 1 21 1 

2 21 1 

3 21 1 



For. Against. 
Section 3. 

Art. 1 22 

2 22 

3 22 

4 22 

5 22 

6 22 

7 22 

Section 4. 

Art. 1 23 

2 23 

Chapter 3. 

Art. 1 22 

2 22 

3 22 

4 22 

5 22 

Chapter 4. 

22 

Chapter 5. 

Section 1. 

Art. 1 22 

2 22 

3 22 

Section 2. 

23 

Chapter 6. 

Art. 1 25 

2 25 

3 25 

4 25 

5 25 

6 25 

7 25 

8 25 

9 25 

10 25 

11 25 



After having voted upon all the several parts of the 
Constitution, the town voted to appoint a committee of 
nine, to consider and propose such alterations and amend- 
ments of the third and tenth articles of the Bill of Rights 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 271 

as shall be likely to make them more acceptable to the 
town ; when John Harris, John Jewett, Nathaniel 
Tenney, Dr. Nathaniel Cogswell, Dr. Parker Cleave- 
land, Jonathan Harriman, Moses Chaplin, Asa Nelson, 
and Captain Timothy Jackraan, were appointed, with 
instructions to report at an adjourned meeting. The 
meeting was then adjourned to the 23d day of May in- 
stant, nine o'clock, A. M. 

Met according to adjournment. The committee pro- 
posed certain alterations and amendments of the said 
third and tenth articles, (which are not entered on the 
record,) upon which, after debate, the town proceeded 
to vote, when it was found there were not so many in 
favor of the third article as amended, as there were in 
its original form. On the tenth article, as amended, the 
vote was one hundred and one for, and thirty-nine against. 
The meeting was then adjourned to the 25th day of May, 
one o'clock, P. M. 

Met according to adjournment, and spent the after- 
noon in debate, and then adjourned to the 31st day of 
May, one o'clock, P. M., then to meet at the meeting- 
house in Byfield parish. 

Met according to adjournment, and, after debate, final- 
ly voted. That, if the amendment of the tenth article of 
the Bill of Rights, as proposed by this town, cannot 
be obtained, the article stand as originally drawn. 
Some debate was had upon the second article of the 
first section of the second chapter ; and the town voted, 
forty to one, in favor of substituting the word ' ' Protes- 
tant " in place of " Christian," but finally voted, that, 
if this amendment cannot be obtained, the article stand 
as it is. Voted, The Convention fix on the time when 
the Constitution shall go into operation. 



272 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

June 4. The town appointed a committee to hire 
twenty-four men to serve in the Continental army, to hire 
as cheap as they can, and to agree to pay them in money 
or provisions, as the committee think best ; and, if the 
town shall be called upon for more men the present 
year, the same committee are to hire them in the same 
way, and the town will indemnify them. 

June 28. The town appointed a committee to hire, 
on the town's credit, as much money as shall be neces- 
sary to enable the committee for hiring men to hire the 
twenty-four men now sent for. 

Voted, To adjourn the meeting to Saturday the 1st 
day of July next, one o'clock, P. M., then to meet at 
the house of Moses Dole, in Byfield parish. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, The committee for hiring men go out of the 
State to hire the number the town now want to complete 
their quota of Continental soldiers. 

The meeting was then adjourned to Thursday the 6th 
instant, two o'clock, P. M., then to meet at the First 
Parish meeting-house. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, That the selectmen and committee of safety 
warn all the militia of this town to meet at some one 
place in the town, to see if the number of men, now 
wanted for the service, cannot be procured from them. 
The meeting was then adjourned to the 8th instant, three 
o'clock, P. M., then to meet at the house of Moses 
Dole, in Byfield parish. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, That the men, who wnll enlist under Captain 
Thomas Mighill to serve In the Continental army for the 
term of three months, shall be allowed just as much per 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



273 



month as was agreed to be given to the six months' men, 
with this addition, viz. they sliall be paid for five days 
before they march, and for as many days after they are 
discharged, as there are twenty miles in the distance be- 
tween this town and the place of discharge ; the men en- 
listing may receive one thousand dollars each before they 
go, or, in lieu thereof, shall receive two bushels of In- 
dian corn and £3 in hard money when they return. 

A company was raised under said Captain Thomas 
Miahill, who served in Colonel Nathaniel Wade's resri- 
ment, at West Point, the term of three months, or till 
the 10th of October, when they were discharged. The 
company consisted of the following named persons, viz. 

Daniel Appleton, 
Enoch Boynton, 



Captain. 

* Thomas Mighill. 

First Lieutenant. 
John Pearson. 

Second Lieutenant. 

James Follensbee. 

Sergeants. 

Timothy Rolf, 

* Humphrey Hobson, 
Nathaniel Kimball, 

* James. Barker. 

Corporals. 
Annis Allen, 
Jewett Ilsley, 

* Ezekiel Lancaster, 

* William Bayley. 

Privates. 

Nathan Allen, 
Daniel Adams, 



Ebenezer Bartlett, 
Phillip Butler, 

* John Bailey, 
Richard Bardett, 
James Brickett, 

* Joseph Brocklebank, 
John Carleton, 
Thomas Colby, 

*' Moses Clark, 

* Northend Cogsw^ell, 

* Daniel Chaplin, 
John Davis, 
Jeremiah Dumrner, 
Richard Dummer, 
William Dummer, 

* Jonathan Elsworth, 

* Jonathan Elsworth, Jr 



274 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



David Emery, 
Thomas Evans, 
Isaac Frotbingham, 
Seth J. Foster, 

* John Gage, * 
Joseph Goodridge, * 
Thomas Greenleaf, * 
Paul Hill, 
Amos Hale, * 

* William Hobson, Jr. * 

* Samuel Hobson, 
Hosea Ilsley, 
Nathan Jaques, * 

* Joshua Jackson, * 

* Jonathan Lambert, * 

* David Lull, ' =^ 
Jacob March, 

Joseph Morss, * 

Norton Minor, * 

Samuel Moody, 
The twenty-nine with this 

have been Rowley men, most 
Newbury. 

July 13. The town met, on adjournment from July 8th, 
and voted. That one of the committee appointed to hire 
the twenty-four men for the Continental army, go imme- 
diately to Brentwood, New Hampshire, and see if he 
cannot procure them. 

Voted, That the selectmen procure the seven horses, 
and the various articles of clothing for the army, as sent 
for by the State, to purchase as cheap as they can, and 
the town will indemnify them. 



William Noyes, 
Thomas Noyes, 
Samuel Noyes, 
Enoch Ordway, 
Jacob Pickard, 
James Page, 
Samuel Palmer, 
Thomas Peabody, 
Samuel Palmer, Jr. 
George Poor, 
Joseph C. Rolf, 
Philip Read, 
John Scott, 
Benjamin Smith, Jr. 
Joshua Saunders, 
Edward Saunders, 
Edad Tenney, 
Benjamin Winter, 
Aaron Wood. 

* mark, are believed to 
of the others belonged to 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 275 

The meeting was then adjourned to the 19th, then to 
meet at the Second Parish meeting-house. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, That the town be divided into thirteen classes, 
according to their polls and estates, for the purpose of 
raising thirteen men, to serve for the town, in the Conti- 
nental army, for the term of six months. 

Voted, That each class, who shall procure a man, be 
entitled to receive from the town the same sum now 
paid to soldiers already raised. 

September 4. The town met, the selectmen pre- 
siding. 

The votes were given in for state officers, (being ihe 
first election under the new Constitution,) and were as 
follows, viz. 

For Governor, Honorable John Hancock, Esq. had 
eighty-four votes. Honorable James Bowdoin, Esq. had 
two votes. 

For Lieutenant-Governor, Honorable Benjamin Lin- 
coln, Esq , had seventy-two votes. 

For Counsellors and Senators, Honorable Azor Orne, 
Esq., Captain George Williams, Honorable Stephen 
Choate, Esq., and Honorable Aaron Wood, Esq. had 
forty votes each. Jonathan Titcomb, Esq. had thirty- 
nine votes, Samuel Phillips, Jr., Esq. had thirty-seven 
votes, Samuel Osgood, Esq. had three votes, and Ste- 
phen Cross, Esq. had one vote. 

October 12. Captain Benjamin Adams was chosen 
Representative to the General Court. 

October 16. The town appointed a committee to pur- 
chase fourteen barrels of beef, for the army. 

At the same meeting, the town granted the following 



276 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

sums, for defraying expenses connected with the war, 
viz. 

To pay for provisions for the army, .... £22,260 
*' *' the three delegates for tlieir services in the con- 
vention at Cambridge, framing the State Con- 
stitution, 1,180 

" " for seven horses purchased for the army, . 3,310 

" " for supplies made to families of soldiers, . . 385 

" " various other expenses of the war, . . 14,365 



£41,500 

The town also granted a tax of two thousand five 
hundred dollars, to be paid in silver. 

Adjourned to the 6th day of November, one o'clock, 
p. M., then to meet at the Second Parish meeting-house. 

Met according to adjournment, and voted to raise a 
further sum of dE 14,852, for war expenses, making a to- 
tal, (exclusive of the hard money tax,) of £ 56,352. 

November 6. Voted, That each person have liberty 
to pay their part of said tax of £ 56,352, in Indian corn, 
at such price as the selectmen shall set. 

At this meeting, the town made a further grant of 
£41,500, for the purpose of procuring Indian corn to 
pay the nine, six, and three months' men, so called, agree- 
ably to the contract made with them. 

December 20. The town appointed a committee to 
enlist twenty-six men to serve in the Continental army, 
for the term of three years, or during the war, and in- 
structed them to notify all the militia in town, including 
the alarm list, to meet at such place as they shall appoint, 
to see if they cannot get the twenty-six men from among 
them. 

Voted, To adjourn the meeting to the 28th, one 
o'clock, P. M. 

Met according to adjournment. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 277 

Voted, The town will give a bounty of three hundred 
silver dollars, to each of twenty-six men, who shall en- 
list for three years or during the war, to be paid one 
hundred dollars annually. 

Voted, To adjourn to the 4ih day of January next, 
then to meet at the Second Parish meeting-house, one 
o'clock, P. M. 

1781, January 4. Met according to adjournment, and 
again adjourned to the 11th. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, That the selectmen divide the town into twen- 
ty-six classes, intermixing the poor with the rich, so as 
to make the several classes as nearly equal in polls as 
well as property, as may be found convenient. And that 
each class be required to procure a good able-bodied 
man, on or before the 20th day of January instant, to 
serve in the Continental army three years or during the 
war. 

Voted, That each class return the name of the man 
they may hire to the selectmen, together with the sum 
they may have agreed to give him as bounty, and if 
more than one hundred dollars is given in any case, the 
town shall be holden to pay no more of the excess, than 
shall make all the classes equal. 

Voted, That each class shall have interest for the 
money they pay as aforesaid, from the time their several 
men pass muster, till paid by the town. One only of 
the class papers has been found, a copy of which fol- 
lows. 

" To Lieutenant Benjamin Stickney. 

'' Sir, — We, the subscribers, have classed the town 
of Rowley, agreeable to a vote of said town, passed 
the 11th day of January instant. The following list 
24 



278 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

contains the names of the persons classed with yourself. 
Their polls and valuation, as they were taxed in the hard 
money tax, stands in the line with their names, each per- 
son to pay according to their polls and estates. If any 
class neglect or refuse to procure one able-bodied, effec- 
tive man, to serve in the Continental army for three years, 
or during the war, then the town are, agreeable to a re- 
solve of the General Court, to procure a man for the 
deficient class, and the selectmen are to assess the whole 
cost and charge of procuring said man on the deficient 
class, with an additional sum, not more than double, as 
the town shall determine ; any individual in a class neg- 
lecting or refusing to do their part, the class are to pro- 
ceed to procure a man, and such individual is to be dealt 
with as the deficient class [order]. And you are de- 
sired forthwith to notify those persons hereafter named, 
to meet at the time and place you think best, in order 
to procure one man as above. You are not to go into 
another class to hire, until they have procured a man for 
themselves. And make return of your proceedings on 
or before the 30th day of January instant. 

Polls. £ s. d. Polls. £ s. d. 

Ll. Benj. Stickney. 3 329 10 Moses Smith, 1 82 

Amos Stickney, 1 295 12 David Perley, GG5 

John Duglas, John Pevley, 1 822 

Amos Jewett, 1 100 Lt. Rufus \Vi)eeler, 1 330 

Maximilian Jewett, 1 36 Samuel Searle & son, I. ^ 519 
William Stickney, 2 189 Jedidiah Stickney, 1 444 



"Paul Jewelt, ) 
Joseph Poor, ^ 
James Todd, 
" Rowley, January J 9, 1781." 




REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 279 

January 15. The town met and voted, That, whereas 
William Hobson of this town enlisted into the Continen- 
tal army, to serve nine months from the 25th day of 
July, 1779, and whereas, during said term, he was tak- 
en prisoner, and detained in captivity until the 21st day 
of December, 1780. Therefore, the town will pay him 
ten bushels of Indian corn per month, for all the time he 
was detained a prisoner, after the expiration of said nine 
months. 

April 2. The town voted, That if any of the twenty- 
six classes for hiring men neglect or refuse to procure 
their man, the selectmen are to provide a man or men, in 
all such cases. 

Voted, That if any class, or any individual in any 
class, refuse to pay their proportion of money necessary 
for hiring a man to serve in the army three years or 
during the war, the selectmen are ordered to assess their 
polls and estates double the sum they are now assessed 
for that object. 

July 10. The town appointed a committee to pur- 
chase eleven thousand seven hundred and fifty-nine pounds 
of beef, for the army. 

Voted, To raise in silver money, 
to pay for said beef, and to pay 
for clothing for the army, the sum of ^£310, = $ 1,033-J 

Voted, To raise in hard money, 
a further sum to pay three men for 
five months' service in the Conti- 
nental army, at Rhode Island, the 
sum of . . . . £90, = $ 300 



£400,==$ 1,3331 

Voted, The selectmen hire seventeen men to serve in 



280 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

the Continental army three months, according to a resolve 
of the General Court, passed on the 30th day of June last. 
November 29. Voted, To raise for expenses of the 
war, the sum of <£ 1,304 10^. 

1782, March 5. The town met, and received the re- 
port of a committee appointed at a former meeting, for 
the purpose of making a full and final settlement with all 
such committees and persons as have been appointed or 
employed by the town, to hire men, purchase provision, 
or to do any other thing for the town, immediately con- 
nected with the war ; made a detailed report of their 
doings in the premises, which was accepted and allowed 
by the town. 

From the last above date to the close of the war, 
nothing of interest, as connected with the war, appears 
upon the records of the town, except various provisions 
made for the payment of a heavy debt incurred during 
the war. 

Before the close of the month of March, military op- 
erations are suspended at New York. 

November 30. Provisional articles of peace between 
the United States and Great Britain, are signed at Paris. 

1783, September 3. Definitive treaty of peace be- 
tween Great Britain and the United States, is signed. 

The amount of money raised by the inhabitants of this 
town, for the support of the war, was very great, as may 
be seen by reference to the preceding pages. 

The sums granted were as follows, viz. 

£ Reduced. 

400 $1,333-33 

750 2,293-80 

1,200 3,669-50 

800 860-21 

1,500 1,333-33 



1776, June 


23, 


1777, March 


10, 


(C 


18, 


December 


29, 


1778, March 


17, 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 281 







£ 


s. 


d. 


Reduced. 


1778, May 


4, 


500 






416-66 


June 


9, 


2,000 






1,666-66 


November 


18, 


2,148 


12 


6 


1,31414 


1779, September 


29, 


3,000 






555-55 


November 


3, 


5,960 






860-77 


1780, March 


21, 


12,000 






1,070-66 


May 


31, 


8,000 






489-29 


October 


16, 


41,500 






1,921-29 


November 


6, 


14,852 






682-85 


c; 


(( 


41,500 






1,770-11 


October 


16, 


To be paid 


in 


silver. 


2,500-00 


1781, July 


10, 


(,(. iC 




a 


1,033-33 


(C 


CC 


cc cc 




u 


300'00 



Total in silver, $24,071-48 

The depreciation of the paper currency rendered the 
nominal amount of taxes exceedingly great ; the true 
value of which may be estimated by reference to the fol- 
lowing scale. The figures indicate the number of dol- 
lars, in Continental currency, equivalent to one hundred 
in gold or silver. To April, 1780, the value was fixed 
as stated below, by the act of Massachusetts ; from that 
date, it has been ascertained by taking the average de- 
preciation through the months. 

1777. 1778. 1779. 1780. 



January, 


105 


325 


742 


2,934 


February, 


107 


350 


868 


3,322 


March, 


109 


375 


1,000 


3,736 


April, 


112 


400 


1,104 


4,000 


May, 


115 


400 


1,215 


5,450 


June, 


120 


400 


1,342 


6,650 



July, 125 425 1,477 6,900 

24* 



282 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 





1777, 


1778. 


1779. 


1789. 


August, 


150 


450 


1,630 


7,000 


September, 


175 


475 


1,800 


7,100 


October, 


275 


500 


2,030 


7,200 


November, 


300 


545 


2,308 


7,250 


December, 


310 


634 


2,595 


7,400 



In 1781, from February 27 to May 1, one dollar of 
specie was equal to $ 1*87, in new emission bills. From 
May 1 to May 25, it was 225 dollars for one. From May 
25 to June 15, it was 300 for one. From June 15 to 
October 1, it was 400 for one. After these dates, the 
depreciation approached total worthlessness. 

The whole expense of the revolutionary war to the 
States, was, in paper money, estimated at $ 359,547,027, 
in specie $ 135,193,703. 

The following is a copy of the return of Captain 
Thomas Mighill's company of infantry, for the eight 
months' service, belonging to the thirty-eighth regiment, 
commanded by Colonel Baldwin, made September 26, 
1775, while stationed at Sewall's Point, in Brookhne, viz. 

Captain. Corporals. 

Thomas Mighill. Daniel Brocklebank, 

First Lieutenant. David Poor, 

Thomas Pike. Ephraim Hidden, 

Second Lieutenant. Jonathan Stickney. 

Mark Creasey. Drummer. 

Sergeants. Samuel Todd.* 

Amos Bayley, Fifer. 

Stephen Jewett, Samuel Bayley. 

Samuel Searle, Privates. 

Ezekiel Sawyer, John Bayley, 

* Died at Albany, Vermont, June, 1840, aged 98 J years. He served 
as drummer in three campaigns in the revolutionary war, he vras one 
of the builders of the Fort at Crown Point, and was at the battle of 
Bunker Hill. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



283 



Ezekiel Bayley, 
Joseph Brown, 
Joseph Brown, Jr. 
Edward Bishop, 
Jeremiah Chandler, 
William Chandler, 
Abel Dodge, 
John Gage, 
David Hobson, 
William Harriman, 
Moses How, 
Edward Elsworth, 
Thomas Elsworth, 
William Elsworth, 
Nathaniel Johnson, 
Amos Jewett, Jr.* 
Nathan Kilborn, 
Samuel Lancaster, 
Samuel Pilsbury, 
Jonathan Pickard, 
John Pickard, 
Thomas Plumer, 
John Pearson, f 



Thomas Pearson, J 
Benjamin Pike, 
Humphrey H. Richards, 
Thomas Smith, 
John Sawyer, 
Paul Stickney, 
John Spiller, 
Benjamin Scott, 
Benjamin Smith, 
William Smith, 
Josiah Stickney, 
Dudley Tyler, 
Benjamin Willett. 

The above all of Rowley. 
John Bradstreet, 
Moses Caldwell, 
William Campernell, 
Aaron Day, 
Benjamin Emerson, 
Samuel Lakeman, 

were of Ipswich. 
Abraham Foster, of Fitch- 
burg. 



William Searle, aged twenty-six years, a sergeant. 
Jacob Low, aged eighteen years, a private, enlisted, April 
24, 1775, under Captain Jacob Gerrish, Colonel Moses 
Little's regiment. 

In Captain John Baker's (Topsfield) company, Colo- 
nel Little's regiment, were, 



* Died at Cambridge, December 28, 1775. 
t Died at Cambridge. 

t Came from Cambridge, sick, and soon after died at home. John 
and Thomas were brother and son of David Pearson. 



284 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



^Enlisted May 
2d, 1775. 



Daniel Dresser, a second Lieutenant, aged 35 years,' 
George Abbot, Private, " 22 years, 

Amos Jewett, Jr., " " 21 years, 

Joseph Nelson, " " 30 years, 

Moses Foster, " " 22 years, 

David Starry, " " 22 years,- 

Jonathan Elsworth was in Captain John Kettle's 
company, Thomas Pee, in Captain Stephen Pearl's, 
Colonel Woodbridge's regiment. 

They were enlisted for what was called the eight 
months' service, ending in December, 1775. When 
their term of service was about to expire, no others 
having been enlisted to take their places, it became 
necessary to enlist a portion of them at least, for a short 
period, until others could be raised to supply their places ; 
therefore the following named Rowley men enlisted for 
six weeks, viz. 

Daniel Foster, Moses Smith, 

David Elvvell, Nathaniel Bradstreet, 

Paul Todd, Jeremiah Dodge, 

Moses Richards, Jeremiah Hobson. 

At the close of the year 1775, men were enlisted 
for twelve months. The following is a copy of the roll 
of Captain Thomas Mighill's company, as made and re- 
turned for the month of March, 1776, with the amount 
of each man's monthly pay, viz. 



Captain. 


£ s.d. 




£ s.d. 


Thomas Mighill, 


8 


Daniel Coolage, 


2 8 


First Lieutenant. 




Corporals. 




Mark Creasey, 


5 8 


John Sawyer, 


2 4 


Second Lieutenant. 




Ansel Pope, 


2 4 


Caleb Clap, 


4 


Abner Hoyt, 


2 4 


Sergeants. 




Drummer. 




Jonathan Stickney, 


2 8 


William Green. 




Abner Whitney, 


2 8 


Fifer. 




John Morse, 


2 8 


Edward French. 





REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



285 



£ s. 


d. 


£ s.d. 


Privates. 
William Adams, 2 
John Bayley, 2 
David Chaplin, 2 
Daniel Chaplin, 2 
David Clark, 2 
Benjamin Emerson, 2 
Moses How, 2 
Jeremiah Hobson, 2 
Nathaniel Johnson, 2 













Moses Richards, 2 
John Spiller, 2 
Benjamin Spiller, 2 
Moses Smith, 2 
Joseph Stickney, 2 
John Thomas, 2 
Benjamin Willet, 2 
John Blandsen, 2 
Thomas Champney, 2 
Nathaniel Chase, 2 


Humphrey H. Richards, 2 







The following persons were 
as Migbill for the year 1776, 


enlisted by Captain Thom- 
, who served in other com- 


panies at New York, &c. 


, viz 


, 


Joel Coolage, 
William Gushing, 




Comfort Whipple, 
Charles Flagherty, 


Jacob French, 




James Gray, 


Nathaniel Bradstreet 


J 


James Barns, 


Thonaas Jones, 




Michael Irish, 


Abner Hinds, 




Thomas Harris, 


Daniel Kimball, 




Philip Merchant, 


Timothy Kendell, 




Enoch Jackson, 


William ^Mlvain, 




William Jackson, 


Benjamin Morse, 




John M^^Ilvain, 


George Dunlap, 




Daniel Wight, 


William Davis, 




David Story, 


Follensbee Dow, 




Edward Morrison, 


Thomas Giles, 




Elnathan Pope, 


James Greely, 
Ezra Ross,* 




Nathaniel Perry, 
Thomas Pee, 


Samuel Remick, 




Benjamin Richards, 


William Simmons, 




Samuel Russell, 


Paul Todd, 




Samuel Burnet. 


Nathan Willard, 







* See Appendix to the Address, D. 1. 



286 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



At the close of the year 1776, it was again found 
necessary to hire soldiers for six weeks ; when the fol- 
lowing, belonging to Captain Mighill's company, en- 
listed, viz. 



Nathaniel Bradstreet, 
Thomas Giles, 
Benjamin Morse, 
Paul Todd, 
Moses Richards, 
William Jackson, 
John M'^Ilvain, 
Moses Smith. 



Sergeant. 

Abner Whitney. 

Corpoials. 

Ansel Pope, 
Abner Hoyt. 

Privates. 

David Clark, 

Nathaniel Chase, 

Jeremiah Hobson, 
The above were for six weeks, and William Symons, 
Benjamin Richards, Thomas Pee, and Charles Flag- 
herty, for a longer time. 

In March, 1777, the town were called upon to raise 
fifty-eight men for the Continental army, to serve three 
years or during the war. Fifty-five of that number are 
named below, with the bounty paid to each by the 
town. 



Benjamin Elwell, 


£9. 


Samuel Plumer, 


^9. 


Ebenezer Redington. 


, 9. 


Thomas Goodale, 


9. 


David Redington, 


9. 


Timothy Pratt, 


9. 


William Hancock, 


9. 


George Graves, 


9. 


John Elwell, 


9. 


William M^Gill, 


9. 


John Dorce, 


9. 


John Whitten, 


9. 


Thomas Payne, 


9. 


Samuel Starboard, 


9. 


Stephen Staples, 


9. 


James Wier, 


9. 


Samuel Proctor, 


9. 


Edward Pratt, 


9. 


Ebenezer Stone, 


9. 


David Guston, 


9. 


John Wilson, 


9. 


John Parker, 


9, 


William Robinson, 


9. 


Wjnthrop Knight, 


12. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



287 



John Romley, 
Joslah Millikin, 
Henry Warren, 
Thomas Pee, 
Paul Kilborn, 
John Kilborn, - 
v^rancis Nelson, 
Elisha Dodge, 
Jeremiah Elsworth, 
Benjamin Tenney, 
Samuel Clough, 
Asa Low, 

Jonathan A. Powers, 15. 
Thomas Harris, 
Aaron Crombe, 
Daniel Elliot, 15. 

The above is from a roll or return, made October 20, 
1779. The remaining three might have died between 
the time of their enlistment and the said 20th of Oc- 
tober. 

In December, 1776, the following persons, belonging 
to Rowley, were enlisted to serve (under Captain John 
Dodge, of Wenham,) three months from the 1st day of 
January, 1777, in the State of New York, viz. 

First Lieutenant. Privates. 



£12. 


William Batchelder, 


£15. 


12. 


John P. Frost, 


15. 


15. 


William Mitchell, 


15. 


15. 


Moses Moore, 


15. 


15. 


Abner B. Lunt, 


15. 


15. 


James Page, 


15. 


15. 


Samuel Bayley, 


15. 


15. 


John D. Davis, 


15. 


15. 


William Harkman, 


15. 


15. 


Thomas Pingree, 


15. 


15. 


Thomas Stinson, 


20. 


15. 


James Blair, 


20. 


;, 15. 


Samuel Turner, 


20. 


15. 


Joseph Applebee, 


20. 


15. 


Joseph Lovell, 


20. 



John Tenney. 

Second Lieutenant. 

INIoses Scott. 

Sergeants. 

Jedidiah Stickney, 
Humphrey Hobson, 
Moses Smith, 
Benjamin Stickney. 



John Bayley, 
Moses Chaplin, 
Moses DickinsoHj 
John Daniels, 
John Gage, 
Reuben How, 
James Jewett, 
Caleb Jackson, 



288 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



Thomas Kilborn, 
Moses Lull, 
Asa Low, 
David Payson, 
Bradstreet Pearson, 
John Scoit, 



David Searle, 
Daniel SafFord, 
David Tenney, 
Moses Wood, -^ 
Phineas Dodge, 
Joshua Dickinson. 



The company consisted of fifty-three men. They 
marched, December 16, 1776, and were dismissed about 
April 1, 1777, in the State of New York, three hundred 
and forty miles from Rowley. 

In May, 1778, the town was called upon to raise 
twenty men to serve eight months, and nine to serve 
hine months. Of these twenty-nine men, the names of 
twenty-one only are to be found, viz. ten described as 
follows. 





Age. 


Height. 
Feet. In. 


Com- 
ploxion. 


Eyes. 


Hair. 


' Place of 
Residence, 


John Fly, 


24 


5 8 


Dark, 


Blue, 


Brown, 


Rowley. 


Thomas Pingree, 


23 


5 8 


Light, 


Blue, 


Brown, 


(( 


Thomas Pike, Jr. 


37 


5 10 


Dark, 


Dark, 


Black, 


<( 


Amos Pilsbury, 


'il 


G 


Light, 


Light, 


Sandy, 


u 


William Chandler, Jr. 


21 


5 8 


Light, 


Light, 


Light, 


<( 


Samuel Bacon, 


21 


6 


Light, 


Light, 


Sandy, 


<c 


Jeremiah Andrew, 


21 


5 10 


Light, 


Dark, 


Brown, 


li 


William Priest, 


22 


5 11 


Liffht, 


Light, 


Light, 


il 


Abel Hardy, 


31 


5 8 


Da>k, 


Light, 


Brown, 


<l 


Samuel Woodsum, 


20 


5 8 


Light, 


Dark, j 


Brown, 


(< 



The eleven, whose names follow, were enlisted in 
June, viz. 



Joseph Brocklebank, 
Moses Clark, 
Thomas Elsworth, 
Benjamin Bishop, 
John Pickard, 
Joseph Stickney, 
They served six months from the 1st day of July In 
said year, at a place called North Kingston, in the State 



John Gage, 
Samuel Hidden, 
Benjamin Pike, 
Stephen Pingree, 
Moses Wood. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 289 

of Rliode Island, under Captain Jonathan Evans, in 
Colonel Nathaniel Wade's reginnent. 

From 1779 to the close of the war, the names of 
but few, belonging to Rowley, who served in the war, 
can now be obtained, the muster rolls having been re- 
moved from Boston to Washington. 

Besides those before mentioned, the names of a few 
others have been collected from various sources. 

On the 24th of April, 1775, Captain T. Mighill com- 
menced enlisting men for the eight months' service. 
Moses Hobson and Jonathan Stickney served three 
months and fifteen days each, from said 24th of April. 
Their names are not borne upon said Mighill's Septem- 
ber roll, before stated. 

Joseph Brocklebank and Joseph Todd (with others 
whose names are unknown) were out two months, from 
April 29 to June 29, 1777, at Rhode Island, under 
Captain Benjamin Adams, Colonel Titcomb's regiment. 

Nathaniel Burpee, drummer, Ezekiel Lancaster and 
David Nelson, privates, (with others,) were out from 
August 15 to November 30, 1777, in New York, under 
Captain Benjamin Adams, Colonel Johnson's regiment, 
and were two hundred and seventy-two miles from Row- 
ley when dismissed. 

Thomas Pike was drafted, June 11, 1778, and served 
nine months at Fishkill, New York. 

William Rutherford was drafted, and served from July 
6 to December 13, 1780, two hundred and sixty miles 
from home when dismissed. 

David Pickard was in the same service, the same 
term. 

Joshua Jackson, Nathaniel Smith, Joshua Saunders, 
Edward Saunders, Jonathan Lambert, and John Crom- 
25 



290 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

bee, were stationed at Castle Island, under Captain 
James Maloon, Major-General John Hancock having 
the chief command. 

Jeremiah Elsworlh, Asa Low, and Thomas Pingree, 
were three years' men ; and on the 15th of May, 1782, 
Elsworth receipted for <f 23 95. 9d, and Asa Low for 
£24 Is. 2d. toward their wages. 

Samuel Bailey, Jr., Moses Merrill, and Daniel Mer- 
rill, served three years. 

1777. Paul Jewett, a son of Paul, died in the army 
at New City, near Albany. 

1778. Samuel Clough returned from Albany sick, 
died soon after. 

1781. John Crombee died of small-pox in the State 
of New York. 

1781. William Todd, a son of William, died while 
privateering. 

Solomon Lowell, David Poor, Silas Dole, Moses 
Boynton, and James Phillips, were in the army. 

Samuel Burbank, on his return from the army, died 
of the small-pox in the pest-house. 

From the peace of 1783, for about two years, the town 
were frequently called together for the purpose of taking 
measures to adjust and make a final settlement of all their 
war expenses. One of the greatest difficulties they had 
to encounter, was that of settling with the several twenty- 
six classes for hiring three years' men for the war, under 
a vote of the town, passed in 1781. These classes had ex- 
pended different sums in procuring each their man ; some 
of the classes had been deficient in the performance of 
the duty enjoined upon them by the town. These difficul- 
ties became, at length, so great, that the town despaired 
of being able to come to a compromise among them- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 291 

selves. They, therefore, on the22d day of August, 1785, 
agreed and voted, to refer all their class difficulties to 
the determination of three referees, viz. Samuel Moody, 
of Newbury, Joshua Holt, of Andover, and John Choate, 
of Ipswich. Thomas Mighill, Daniel SpofFord, and Solo- 
mon Nelson were appointed a committee to manage the 
affair before the referees, in behalf of the town ; each 
class had their own committee before the referees. 

The referees met, and after hearing the parties, made 
an award, which was laid before the town for their ac- 
ceptance, at a meeting held November 1, 1785. This 
meeting was held in the second parish, and convened at 
one o'clock in the afternoon. Some of the classes being 
dissatisfied with the award, a long debate ensued ; the 
final question was taken about eleven o'clock at night, 
after a continued meeting of ten hours' duration, and the 
award was accepted. The town made a grant of £ 2,200, 
to pay all the said twenty-six classes, and ordered the as^ 
sessment of the same. 

These twenty-six men cost the town, for their ser- 
vices, from the time of their enlistment in 1781, to the 
close of the war, about ^ 282 each. 

To the £ 2,200, or $ 7,333-33, now granted, add the 
before-mentioned grants, amounting to ^ 24,071-48, and 
it makes the sum of ,f 31,404*81, actually paid by the 
town for the expenses of the war, beside other very con- 
siderable sums to committees, &c. for their services, not 
included in the above. 

The particular and minute recital of those occurrences 
which took place in the town, particularly connected 
with the events of the revolutionary war, which has been 
gone into, seemed necessary, in order to give an adequate 
idea of the great exertions and privations made and en- 



292 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

diired by the people of the town, during the period of 
that war, the merit and remembrance of which is almost 
lost in the happy results they assisted to bring about. 

The great expenditure of this town was, in fact, an un- 
compensated gratuity to the public. 

Rowley furnished its full proportion of men for the 
army of the Revolution, having furnished three captains, 
viz. Thomas Mighill, who was out in the years 1775, 
1776, and 1780, Benjamin Adams, who was out several 
campaigns, and Edward Payson, who was out a short 
time in 1775. They furnished nine lieutenants, viz. 
Amos Bailey, Daniel Dresser, Mark Creasey, Thomas 
Green, Thomas Pike, Benjamin Stickney, Moses Scott, 
John Tenney, and Rufus Wheeler, and perhaps others. 
Sergeants and corporals, quite a number. Nathaniel Bur- 
pee and Samuel Todd were out as drummers, and 
Thomas Stickney as a fifer, and there were other mu- 
sicians from this town. 

The number of privates furnished cannot be now as- 
certained with certainty. But the following estimate is 
made, which approximates the true number, viz. 

Raised, April, 1775, for 8 months' service 54 

♦' December, " " 6 weeks' *' .... 6 

« January, 1776, " 12 months' " IS 

" December, " '' 6 weeks' " .... 5 

" January, 1777," 3 months' " under Capt. John Dodge, 24 

« March, " " 3 years' " 58 

" November, " " Guard at Cambridge, . . . . 26 

" December, '' " " " to relieve the others, 26 

« March, 1778, " " ♦< 3 months, . . 12 

" May, <' " 8 months' service, .... 20 

(I (I (c ii c) a ".,... 9 

" June, " " service not stated, .... 9 

" July, " " 6 months' service, in Guard or elsewhere, 6 

" " " " service not stated, .... 20 

" September," "' service not stated, to serve under Colonel 

Cogswell, 9 



INSURRECTION. 293 

Raised, Sept., 1778, for service not stated, number equal o one 

third train band, say, ... 40 

" June, 1779, " 6 months' service at Rhode Island . 5 

(( « « <c 9 u « .... 11 

« September, " " Guard at Boston, .... 7 
" October, " " time not stated, for Continental army, 

« June, 1780, " 3 months at West Point, ... 24 

" January, 1781," 3 years or during the vi^ar, • . . 26 

" July, " " 3 months, 17 

Total, .... 448 
It does not appear by the records what number of men 
the town was required to furnish for the years 1775 and 
1776, but the authenticated rolls show the names of 
Rowley men equal to the numbers put down in the fore- 
going list, and sixty-four other privates, who were not 
Rowley men, but were enlisted by Captain Mighill, of 
Rowley, and served those years under him and other 
officers. All the other numbers of privates in said list 
are taken from the records of the town. 

Rowley must have had on an average about fifty men 
each year, in the service of their country, during the 
eight years the war continued. 



SHAYS'S INSURRECTION. 

The causes of the insurrection which quickly followed 
the peace of 1783, have been well stated by the author of 
the "History of Worcester," published in 1837. That 
author says ; 

'' The struggles of the Revolution had scarce terminat- 
ed, before disturbances arose among the people, which, 
in their progress, brought the Commonwealth to the very 
verge of ruin. 

'• Could the existence of insurrection and rebellion be 
effaced from memory, it would be wanton outrage to re- 
call from oblivion the tale of misfortune and dishonor. 
25* 



294 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

But those events cannot be forgotten ; tbey have floated 
down in tradition ; they are recounted by the winter fire- 
side, in the honaes of New England ; they are inscribed 
on roll and record, in the archives and annals of the State. 
History, the mirror of the past, reflects, with painful fidel- 
ity, the dark as well as the bright objects from departed 
years ; and, although we may wish to contemplate only 
the glowing picture of patriotism and prosperity, the 
gloomy image of civil commotion is still full in our sight, 
shadowing the back ground with its solemn admonition. 
" The investigation of the causes of the unhappy tu- 
mults of 1786, does not belong to the narrative of their 
local efi^ects on one of the principal scenes of action. 
But it would be great injusiice to omit the statement, 
that circumstances existed, which palliate, though they 
do not justify, the conduct of those who took up arms 
against the government of their own establishment. Af- 
ter eight years of war, Massachusetts stood, with the 
splendor of triumph, in republican poverty, bankrupt in 
resources, with no revenue but of an expiring currency, 
and no metal in her treasury more precious than the con- 
tinental copper, bearing the devices of union and free- 
dom. The country had been drained by taxation for the 
support of the army of independence, to the utmost limit 
of its means ; public credit was extinct, manners had be- 
come relaxed, trade decayed, manufactures languishing, 
paper money depreciated to worthlessness, claims on the 
nation accumulated by the commutation of the pay of of- 
ficers for securities, and a heavy and increasing pressure 
of debt rested on Commonwealth, corporations, and 
citizens. The first reviving efforts of commerce over- 
stocked the markets with foreign luxuries and superflui- 
ties, sold to those who trusted to the future to supply the 
ability of payment. The temporary act of 1782, mak- 



INSURRECTION. 



295 



ing property a tender in discharge of pecuniary con- 
tracts, instead of the designed remedial effect, enhanced 
the evils of general insolvency, by postponing collections. 
The outstanding demands of the royal refugees, who had 
been driven from large estates and extensive business, 
enforced with no lenient forbearance, came in to increase 
the embarrassments of the deferred pay-day. At length 
a flood of suits broke out. 

" In 1784, more than two thousand actions were en- 
tered in the county of Worcester, then having a popula- 
tion less than fifty thousand, and in 1785, about seven- 
teen hundred. Lands and goods were seized and sacri- 
ficed on sale, when the general difficulties drove away 
purchasers. Amid the universal distress, artful and de- 
signing persons discerned prospect for advancement, and 
fomented the discontent by inflammatory publications, and 
seditious appeals to every excitable passion and preju- 
dice. 

'' The constitution was misrepresented as defective, the 
administration as corrupt, the laws as unequal and unjust. 
The celebrated papers of ' Honestus ' directed jealousy 
towards the judicial tribunals, and thundered anathemas 
against the lawyers, unfortunately for them, the immedi- 
ate agents and ministers of creditors. Driven to despair 
by the actual evil of enormous debt, and irritated to mad- 
ness by the increasing clamor about supposed grievances, 
it is scarcely surprising that a suffering and deluded peo- 
ple should have attempted relief, without considering that 
the misery they endured was the necessary result from the 
confusion of years of warfare." 

The disturbances, which ultimately broke out in open 
insurrection and rebelhon in Worcester County and the 
other more Western counties of this State, for a time 



296 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

threatened the perpetuity of the government. The first 
open act of insurrection took place at Worcester, in Sep- 
tember, 1786, when about one hundred armed men, and 
as many more without arms, under the command of Adam 
Wheeler, of Hubbardston, there assembled, and prevent- 
ed the sitting of the Court of Common Pleas. Chief 
Justice Ward ascended the steps of the court-house, 
aUhough opposed by the bayonets of the insurgents, and 
from that place addressed the assembly, in a style of 
clear and forcible argument, and finally, addressing him- 
self to Wheeler, the commander, advised him to sufl^er 
the troops to disperse ; " they were waging war which was 
treason, and the end would be the gallows." 

In November of the same year, about one hundred 
and sixty armed men, under the command of Abraham 
Gale, of Princeton, assembled in Worcester, and op- 
posed and prevented the sitting of the Court of Sessions. 
The insurgents stationed themselves about the court- 
house. The justices were opposed at the steps by 
triple rows of bayonets. The sheriff. Colonel William 
Greenleaf, of Lancaster, addressed the assembled crowd, 
stating the danger to themselves and the public from their 
lawless measures. The riot act was read for their dis- 
persion, &c. One of the leaders replied to the sherifl^, 
saying they sought relief from grievances ; that among 
the most intolerable of them was the sheriff himself ; and 
next to his person were his fees, which were exorbitant 
and excessive, particularly on criminal executions. " If 
you consider fees for executions oppressive," replied the 
sheriff, " you need not wait long for redress ; for I will 
hang you all, gentlemen, for nothing, with the greatest 
pleasure." 

Great exertions were made to prevent the sitting of 



INSURRECTION. 297 

the Court of Common Pleas in Worcester, in Decem- 
ber of this year ; the judges were advised to adjourn the 
court to January, as they did. The crisis had now ar- 
rived, when government must appeal to the sword for 
preservation. On the 6th of December, the day of 
the expected session of the court, the insurgents in 
Worcester, with Daniel Shays at their head, number- 
ed about eight hundred. They remained in Worcester 
till Saturday the 9th, and were then dismissed to their 
several homes, in the midst of a violent snow storm, and 
intense cold ; some were frozen to death by the way, oth- 
ers would have perished but for the aid of stouter men. 

In the month of January, 1787, an army of four thousand 
four hundred men, was raised from the counties of Suffolk, 
Essex, Middlesex, Hampshire, and Worcester, for thir- 
ty days' service ; General Benjamin Lincoln received 
the command. Of this army, Rowley was called upon 
to furnish one lieutenant, and twenty-three non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates. Ezekiel Sawyer served as 
a lieutenant, and he was appointed by the tow^n to enlist 
the men. He enlisted Abner Bailey, William Bailey, 
Peirce Bailey, Jacob Elsworth, Humphrey Hobson, 
Nathan Jewelt, Stephen Knight, David Pickard, Samuel 
Pulsifer, John Perley, Stephen Pearson, Joseph Pike, 
John Pike, David Rollins, Elliot Sawyer, Samuel Searle, 
John Searle, Thomas Stedman, John Taskett. There 
were two others, names not recollected ; they served 
under Captain Francis, of Beverly. 

January 31, 1787. The town were assembled for the 
purpose of expressing their opinion upon the subject of 
the insurrection, and the imprisonment of Sbattuck, Par- 
ker, and Paige ; when they voted, almost unanimously, 
they would not interfere by any opinion of theirs what- 



298 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

ever, choosing to leave the matter ahogether to the au- 
thorities of the Commonwealth. 

General Lincoln was to protect the judicial courts, 
to assist the magistrates in the execution of the laws, and 
in repelling and apprehending disturbers of the peace, 
and in all instances to act in subserviency to the civil 
magistrate, except where an armed force should oppose 
him. 

He commenced his march from Boston, on the 20th of 
January, 1787, for Worcester, where the court was to 
sit on the 23d, who accordingly held the session in se- 
curity. The insurgents were embodied in large num- 
bers, under Shays, at Wilbraham, and Day, at West 
Springfield. The former body made an attempt, on the 
25th, upon General Shepherd, stationed at the arsenal 
at Springfield, and were routed, but soon collected again. 

On the 25th, General Lincoln hastened to the relief 
of Shepherd, threw one regiment and some horse into his 
camp on the night of the 26th, and arrived with the 
main body at noon of the 27th. After the troops were re- 
freshed, he ordered them under arms, at three o'clock, 
though many of them had been so from one in the morn- 
ing. Part of them were moved up the river on the ice, 
to prevent the junction of Day and Shays ; and, if that 
was not attempted, to cut off Day's retreat. With the 
other part. General Lincoln proceeded across the river 
against Day's main body, who manifested some disposi- 
tion to resist, but soon retreated to a high piece of ground 
in their rear, where they were met by the light horse ; 
thence they fled in every direction. Shays being thus 
left uncovered on his right, moved off the same night to 
Amherst, twenty miles from Springfield. At three 
o^clock in the morning of the 29th, General Lincoln 



INSURRECTION. 299 

moved toward Amherst, where Shays had been joined 
by Day. On the arrival of the government force at 
Amherst, the rear of the insurgents left that place, 
Shays having taken his position at Pelham. The next 
morning, the General filed off to Hadley and Hatfield, 
and sent an address to Shays, calling on him to disband 
his followers, and warning him against the consequences 
of resisting. " To prevent bloodshed, you will com- 
municate to your privates, that if they will instantly lay 
down their arms, surrender themselves to government, 
and take and subscribe the oath of allegiance to the 
Commonwealth, they shall be recommended to the Gen- 
eral Court for mercy." The answer from the insurgents 
was, a proposal to suspend hostilities, till they could 
learn the result of their application to the Legislature for a 
general pardon, on the condition of their laying down 
their arms. 

On the next day, the General renewed his former 
summons and proffer. He told them their request was 
inadmissible, and that they must immediately disband 
themselves. The 2d of February, he reconnoitred 
Shays, who took the alarm, and on the evening of the 
same day pointed his route towards Petersham, where 
he purposed to make a stand, a number of towns in the 
vicinity having engaged to support him. The General 
put his troops in motion, in pursuit, about eight o'clock 
in the evening. The first part of the night was pleasant, 
and the weather moderate ; but between two and three 
in the morning, the wind shifted to the westward, it be- 
came very cold and squally, the dry and light snow, 
whirled before a violent wind, filled the roads and ren- 
dered them almost impassable. The severity of the 
cold prevented any halt for rest or refreshment ; being 



300 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

where the men could not be covered in the distance of 
eight miles, ihey were obliged to continue their march, 
and reached Petersham about nine o'clock in the morn- 
ing, exceedingly fatigued with a march of thirty miles 
in deep snow and intense cold ; great numbers were 
frozen, though none dangerously. 

The troops arrived in the very centre of Petersham, 
to the great surprise of the insurgents, who, trusting to 
the violence of the storm, and the obstructions of the 
roads, rested in careless security. 

The first warning of danger, was from the advance 
guard of the forces of government in the midst of their 
cantonment ; they had not time to call in their out par- 
ties, nor even their guards. 

About one hundred and fifty fell into the hands of 
General Lincoln's army, and the rest escaped by pre- 
cipitate flight. 

The main body of the insui'gen'ts, who were in arms 
against the government, was thus finally defeated with 
almost no bloodshed. 

From this place. General Lincoln proceeded to Pitts- 
field, in Berkshire County, in which part of the State 
great numbers had been in arms. 

From the middle of February, there was no forcible 
opposition to government, excepting a party of insur- 
gents, who, on the 27th of the month, made an inroad 
into Stockbridge, carrying off some of the inhabitants 
with some plunder ; they were met in Great Barrington 
and Sheffield, and routed and dispersed. 

The rebellion being suppressed, it remained to ascer- 
tain how far the public good required the punishment of 
the ofi^enders. A disqualifying act was passed by the 



SOLDIERS DETACHED. 301 

legislature, exempting certain descriptions of the insur- 
gents from trial, on specific conditions. 

General Lincoln, Samuel Phillips,* and Samuel A. 
Otis, were appointed commissioners to determine who 
should have the benefit of this act ; and in the month of 
March, previous to the sitting of the Supreme Court in 
the western counties, executed this delicate and impor- 
tant duty. 

In 1794, under the apprehension of a rupture with 
Great Britain, Congress passed an act, requiring eighty- 
thousand militia of the United States to be provisional- 
ly detached. 

September 18. The town voted. That each non- 
commissioned officer and soldier belonging to this town, 
detached agreeably to the provisions of the late act of 
Congress, shall be entitled to receive from the town so 
much money as shall, with his Continental pay, make his 
wages up to ten dollars per month, while in actual service. 
And each of said non-commissioned officers and soldiers, 
who have or may enlist, or be detached, the sum of 
two dollars to be paid immediately by the treasurer of 
the town, and a further sum of eight dollars, when they 
shall be called to march for actual service ; both which 
sums are to be considered as part of their additional 
monthly pay. 

On the 4th of May, 1796. A town meeting was con- 
vened for the purpose of expressing their sentiments in 
relation to the commercial treaty with England. A me- 
morial, reported by a committee, (viz. Humphrey Hob- 
son, Joseph Chaplin, and Joseph Torrey,) and signed 
by three hundred voters, praying Congress to make pro- 

* AfLervvards Lieutenant-Governor. 
26 



302 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

vision for carrying the treaty into full effect, was unan- 
imously adopted, and ordered to be forwarded to the 
Hon. Theophilus Bradbury, representative of the district 
in Congress, for presentation. 

In 1798, the hostile attitude of France was such, that 
Congress authorized the President to raise troops for the 
war establishment, to be called out in case of appre- 
hended invasion, or on pressing emergency, but not to 
receive pay unless in actual service. 

At a town meeting, held September 20, 1798, the 
following address to the President of the United States 
was adopted, and ordered to be forwarded, viz. 

" To John Adams, President of the United 
States of America. 

'' Sir, — The late period we have taken of thus pub- 
licly addressing you, doth not, we conceive, lessen its 
importance, and will not, we hope, render it less ac- 
ceptable. In unison with our fellow-citizens, we feel, 
and would fain express, our utter abhorrence and de- 
testation of the unwarrantable and piratical depredations 
committed on our commerce. We see and despise the 
insidious and vile attempts to alienate the American citi- 
zens from their rulers, and the insults of indignity inso- 
lently offered to the government of the United States 
by the French nation. 

" We most cordially avow our unshaken attachment 
to the federal government, and fullest approbation of your 
administration as supreme executive. But especially at 
this period, we have the peculiar pleasure of observing 
the happy consequences resulting from the numerous 
addresses to you in connexion with your answers, con- 
taining such valuable truths and maxims in government, 



ADDRESS TO THE PRESIDENT. 303 

which, in the present juncture of affairs, by their con- 
victive force and extensive diffusion among the great 
body of the people, have produced those permanent im- 
pressions on their minds, which will form an important 
barrier against all fuiure attempts on our excellent con- 
stitution, either by foreign intrigues or domestic disor- 
ganizers. And we further conceive, this must render 
more easy the arduous task devolved on you, Sir, at this 
most critical and alarming period of our national con- 
cerns. 

" Among the many evils that menace our country, we 
have this consolation, that the late outrageous conduct of 
France toward America, is highly calculated to prevent 
the introduction of French atheism and immorality, evils 
more to be dreaded than the most rancorous enmity of 
the terrible republic. 

" Accept, Sir, our sincere wishes, that you may long 
continue your administration with your wonted wisdom, 
firmness, and integrity, and by your known attachment 
to the religion and God of our fathers, recommend that 
piety and morality which is essential to the preservation 
of a republican government. 

'' Signed by Nathaniel Keezer, Moderator. 
Thomas Mighill, Town Clerk.''^ 

ANSWER. 
'' To THE Inhabitants of Rowley, in the 
State of Massachusetts. 
" Gentlemen, — I have received your address, adopt- 
ed at a legal town meeting held on the 20th of Septem- 
ber, which is not the less acceptable or important for 
the lateness of its date. The numerous addresses of 
my fellow-citizens, while they have been to me a de- 



304 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

llghtful source of consolation, have denionstrated to the 
world, that our country abounds, in every part of it, not 
only with citizens of exalted virtues and useful talents, 
but with writers of elegant and masterly accomplish- 
ments. If these addresses were not themselves proofs 
of a remarkable conformity in sentiments and feelings 
throughout all the United States, they would be found, 
if generally read and well considered, to produce all the 
unanimity which can be wanted for the defence of our 
country. 

" John Adams. 
" quincy, October "11, 1798." 

August 3, 1807. The town voted to each soldier, 
in Rowley, who would volunteer his service in the cause 
of his country, or who may be detached agreeably to 
general orders, a bounty of five dollars, and one dollar 
per day while out on drill under their detached officers, 
and to make up their wages, when called into actual ser- 
vice, to fifteen dollars per month, including their govern- 
ment pay. Under this vote, the following persons were 
paid five dollars each, as bounty, viz. Lieutenant Benja- 
min Todd ; Privates Joseph Adams, Abner R. Bailey, 
Robert Bettis, John Bridges, Jr., Richard Chute, James 
Chute, Jr., Benjamin Dresser, Enoch Dresser, John 
Dole, Jr., John Davis, Amos Dunnels, Abraham Dick- 
inson, William Gage, Pemberton Hale, Timothy Har- 
ris, Jr., Eliphalet Hobson, Andrew Horner, Joseph 
Jewett, Jr., David Jewett, Jonathan Jewett, Joseph 
Jewett, 3d, William Jewett, Moses Johnson, Jr., 
Thomas Kimball, Stephen M. Nelson, Moses Nelson, 
Benjamin S. Picket, James Perley, Isaac Pickard, Da- 
vid Perley, John Prime, Aaron Rogers, Moses Richards, 



RESOLVES, &c. 305 

Jr., Jacob Smith, Samuel Stickney, Daniel Stewart, 
Paul Stickney, Jr., Nathaniel R. Tuttle, Samuel C. 
Tidds, Joseph S. Tyler, and Stephen Wood. 

August 31, 1S08. The town was convened to see 
if they would petition the President of the United 
States, requesting him to suspend, in part or in whole, 
the embargo act, and the acts supplementary thereto. 

January 23, 1809. At a legal meeting of the inhab- 
itants of the town of Rowley, convened for the express 
purpose of taking into consideration the alarming state 
of public affairs, the following resolves were passed, viz. 

" Resolved, That in our opinion, the extensive evils 
we suffer as a nation do not result from mere errors of 
the understanding, but a deep-rooted policy, striking at 
the very foundation of freedom and independence, with 
the sacrifice of every thing we hold dear in life ; and 
which, we greatly apprehend, originated in the cabinet of 
St. Cloud. 

" Resolved, That the minority in Congress deserve the 
highest thanks of their country, for their able, laborious, 
and thorough investigation of the crooked and perverse 
policy of the administration, as well as their noble and 
intrepid defence of our rights, in the face of a haughty 
and overbearing majority. Whilst those members of 
Congress from this State, who have gone all lengths with 
the majority, have justly forfeited the confidence of the 
good people of this Commonwealth, and ought to be 
deemed enemies to their country. 

" Resolved, That although many of our fellow-citizens, 
who are real friends to their country, have been deluded 
by base and wicked design, yet do we most sincerely 
rejoice to see them rapidly hastening to the standard of 
correct principles of government ; and we pledge our- 
26* 



306 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

selves to receive them with open arms as brethren, and 
co-workers in the defence of our invaded rights. 

" Resolved, That although we feel conscientiously dis- 
posed to do all in our power to support and maintain 
the union of the States, so far as is consistent with the 
enjoyment of our invaluable and unalienable rights ; 
nevertheless, if the southern section, bred from childhood 
as domestic and petty tyrants, pertinaciously prefer re- 
ceiving their laws from the great Napoleon, or Infidel 
King, to the blessings of a free and independent govern- 
ment, we cannot be persuaded to believe, that the en- 
lightened yeomanry of the Northern and Middle States, 
will consent to partake of their sins, or receive of their 
plagues. 

*' Resolved, That a committee of safety and corre- 
spondence, consisting of seven persons, be chosen, and . 
that Parker Cleaveland, Esq., Paul Jewett, Joseph 
Chaplin, Captain Benjamin Adams, Jr., Captain Francis 
Perley, Joseph Pike, and Deacon Thomas Merrill, be 
said committee. 

" Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed, 
to prepare a petition to the legislature of this Common- 
wealth, and that Parker Cleaveland, Esq., Joseph Pike, 
and Thomas Merrill, be said committee." Who re- 
ported the following, viz. 

'' To the Honorable Senate, and House of Represen- 
tatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

" Your memorialists, the inhabitants of the town of 
Rowley, in the county of Essex, 

" Humbly shewelh. That, from a long, painful, and 
increasing conviction, they have viewed the present ad- 
ministration of the United States, even from their very 



RESOLVES, i&c. 307 

commencement, as uniformly pursuing one undeviating 
course, visibly marked with unreasonable hostility to- 
wards the British Government, and a blind and ruinous 
partiality to that of France, and we greatly fear the arts, 
intrigues, and even- threats, of that faithless and corrupt 
government have been received with such degrading de- 
votedness, as is incompatible with the dignity and impar- 
tiality of the rulers of a free and independent nation. 
It further appears to your memorialists, that neither the 
great Emperor, nor his obsequious American agents, will 
rest short of that alliance which involves our freedom 
and independence, and a destructive participation in the 
war against England ; when we take into view the labors 
of eight long years, in deluding and deceiving the unwary 
and less informed part of the community, by venal press- 
es, and other vehicles of misrepresentation ; and when 
we consider the unfeeling, haughty, and contemptuous 
reception of our petitions and remonstrances, the inef- 
fectual and unavailing display of the most luminous and 
conclusive arguments by the minority on the floor of 
Congress ; and above all, when we take into view the 
awful sacrifice of our most valuable and unalienable 
rights, we are impelled to conclude, that no price is too 
great with our present rulers to attain their inglorious 
end, that a cordial attachment, and a servile subservency 
to the whole will of the reigning tyrant of France, is 
dearer to their hearts than the freedom, happiness, and 
prosperity of iheir constituents ; if not so, why are all 
and every measure of the present government of late 
directed, with the most barefaced hostility, against, and 
only against their own nation. Would not an impartial 
spectator at the seat of government, in attending to their 
doings, conclude the government were busily engaged in 



308 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

preparing for a war, against the United States of Amer- 
ica ? We pause, we blush, and solemnly ask why is it 
thus ; is it because our rulers have yielded that unguard- 
ed admiration of those splended vices, and that out- 
rage upon every virtue which adorns' human nature, by 
which their friend and patron has succeeded in acquir- 
ing his gigantic power, until crimes have lost their ma- 
lignity ; then will we cease to wonder, when bread is lit- 
erally taken from the mouth of labor, when the distresses 
of those who are deprived of their means of support are 
regarded as idle tales, when our constitution is no more 
than a blank paper, when we witness the most wanton 
abuse of power, trampling on our most sacred and una- 
lienable rights, raising powerful standing armies to en- 
force oppressive laws at the point of the bayonet ; and 
now ate we not brought to this solemn and truly dreadful 
alternative, — resistance or slavery. We shudder at the 
thought ; we reflect back on that height of prosperity and 
respectability from which we are fallen, and that shame- 
ful misery into which we are now plunged. Shall we sink 
into despair and tamely submit to the shackles of slavery ? 
So did not our fathers ; when suffering evils of much less 
magnitude from British encroachments, they did not hes- 
itate, but nobly dared to declare as their motto. Freedom 
or Death. Neither can we persuade ourselves that Amer- 
ican chains, of French model, are less galling than were 
those of British manufacture. 

" To your honorable body, then, do we make our ap- 
peal, that you will, under God, lead us in the path of du- 
ty, and defend our invaded rights, believing the legisla- 
ture clothed with sufficient authority to protect their 
constituents, we here deposit our anxieties, reposing the 
fullest confidence in your wisdom and patriotism. Per- 



WAR OF 1812. 309 

mit us to conclude by expressing our full belief, that all 
our evils and suffering are tokens of divine displeasure 
for our sins, and as our ultimate reliance is not on an arm 
of flesh, but on the God of our fathers, will not the 
legislature on their coming together deem it their first 
duty to set apart an early day, inviting the inhabitants of 
this Commonwealth to observe the same as a day of fasting, 
humiliation, and prayer. Through God we shall do val- 
iantly, for he it is that shall tread down our enemies. 
" Attest. Paul Jewett, Moderator. 

Joshua Jewett, Town Clerk.''^ 

The above petition was almost unanimously adopted, 
and ordered to be signed by the moderator and town 
clerk, and forwarded to the legislature. 

On the declaration of war with England, in June, 1812, 
the legislature of Massachusetts being in session, the 
House of Representatives made an address to the people 
of this Commonwealth, touching the subject of the war. 
On the 15th of July, the inhabitants of the town of Rowley 
were convened in legal town meeting, " to consider said 
address, and to express their opinion on the solemn crisis 
of public affairs, by resolve or otherwise, and to choose 
delegates to meet in a county convention, for the purpose 
of consulting upon the awful and alarming situation of the 
country by reason of the war, and of adopting all constitu- 
tional measures for the restoration of peace and free com- 
merce, on which the well-being of this Commonwealth 
essentially depends." 

At this meeting, Parker Cleaveland, Thomas Merrill, 
and Joshua Jewett, Esqrs., were appointed a committee 
to draft resolves expressing the opinion of the town upon 
the present momentous crisis of public affairs, who 
submitted the following report. 



31-0 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

" The history of nations and the fall of empires fully 
evince, that man intrusted with power is capable of great 
political defection, progressing to the complete sacrifice 
of the rights of the people upon the altar of his ambition. 
In a representative government, recurrence to frequent 
elections is instituted as a check against the abuse of 
power, but the unprincipled and persevering demagogue 
can propagate discord among brethren, foment divisions, 
and, by the grossest deception, art, and intrigue, raise a 
faction, whose misplaced confidence and blind attachment, 
secures their favorite until he ripens his projects of des- 
potism, nor suffers his constituents to awake but by the 
clanking of those chains which enthrones their master as 
tyrant, and themselves and children subjugated his impo- 
tent vassals. But we can hardly persuade ourselves to 
believe, that our beloved country is yet fully prepared to 
sit down easy, under the application of those chains which 
have been nearly twelve years manufacturing, and now 
boldly attempted to afKx on the American people, nor 
suffer them to be riveted without a struggle. No, — so long 
as every section of our country abounds with able states- 
men and upright patriots to descry the danger and sound 
the alarm, and so long as we see some of our fellow-citi- 
zens who have been misled and deluded, beginning to 
awake in favor of our invaded rights, we will not only 
cherish a hope, but in unison with others who feel for 
their country, we bear full and express testimony against 
impending evils, and unite in all suitable and constitutional 
measures to retrieve our sinking country. Therefore, 

" Resolved, As the sense of this town, that we consider 
war at all limes as a heavy calamity, and among the sorest 
judgments by which a justly incensed God expresses his 
holy and righteous anger against a sinful people, a measure 



WAR OF 1812. 311 

which no ruler, who exercises a due sense of moral obli- 
gation and his solemn and awful responsibility for the 
blood and treasure of the nation, would resort to, but 
under those conclusive and imperious circumstances or 
causes which impel every reflecting mind to consider as 
an urgent and indispensable duty. 

" Resolved, As the opinion of this town, that the uni- 
form system of restrictions and vexations upon our com- 
merce, adopted and obstinately pursued by our own 
government, their contemptuous rejection of every ap- 
plication of relief by the injured citizen, together with a 
base and dishonorable submission to the most wanton, 
unprovoked, and piratical outrage committed on our 
commerce by France, cannot be reconciled to a decla- 
ration of war against Great Britain, as a friendly design 
to rescue and protect our commerce from British depre- 
dations, especially whilst that government, in their nego- 
ciations with the American government, continued to ex- 
press friendly dispositions, and a strong desire that all 
differences existing between the two governments might 
be amicably adjusted. 

"Resolved, That the declaration of a distinguished 
and well-informed republican member of Congress, ' that 
a war with England at this time comports neither with 
the interest nor the honor of the American people, but 
an idolatrous sacrifice of both on the altar of French ra- 
pacity, perfidy, and ambition ; and that the American 
republic, by this event, enlist under the banner of the 
tyrant ; ' together with that long course of friendly con- 
nivance of French atrocities, visible to all, cannot but 
excite our most serious and solemn apprehensions of 
such a war, as involving the nation in a fatal alliance with 
the impious and cruel destroyer of mankind. An evil 



312 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

which we deprecate greater than to see our towns and 
cities laid in ashes, but still retaining our liberty and in- 
dependence. 

'' Resolved, In our opinion, all attempts to place de- 
tachments of the militia under the control and command 
of the officers of the army of the United States, when 
neither of the exigencies of the Constitution exist for 
calling forth the militia, is of the nature of enlistments by 
force, and contrary to the laws of the United States, as 
declared by Mr. Monroe in his communications to Mr. 
Foster, June 8, 1S12, and we do highly applaud those 
State executives, who have nobly dared to guard and 
defend their constituents against such lawless abuse of 
power and military despotism. 

" Resolved, That we consider it highly important, 
that all, who regard the peace and morality of the people, 
exert their utmost influence to discountenance the prac- 
tice of privateering, as an unjustifiable approbation of 
the war, and a demoralizing depredation on private 
property, all tending to retard that peace which we most 
devoutly pray may soon return to bless our land. 

" Resolved, We will unite in all laudable measures to 
effect a constitutional change of rulers in favor of peace 
and commerce, hoping we shall again rejoice to see the 
destinies of our country wielded by men, whose talents, 
wisdom, dignity, and weight of character shall give sta- 
bility and impartiality to our national administrations, and 
respect abroad among all the nations of the earth ; and 
to this end we do consider it as highly desirable at this 
solemn and all-important crisis, to open a fair and honor- 
able correspondence with sister States, and unitedly 
adopt such measures as may promote the salvation of our 
country against foreign intrigues and domestic corrup- 
tions, as one common cause through the Union. 



WAR OF 1812. 313 

" Resolved, That with emotions of indignation we 
view the conduct of those who, by a law founded in 
iniquity, now constitute the majority of the Senate in our 
State legislature, in their unreasonable and obstinate op- 
position to every fair measure for the choice of Electors 
in this Commonwealth. 

" Resolved, That if the southern and western sec- 
tions of the Union continue their haughty and overbear- 
ing contempt of those commercial rights, on which our 
existence so greatly depends, evidently to complete Na- 
poleon's ' Continental System ' and universal sway of 
military government, they 7nust in the event look to their 
own measures, if the other sections prefer the blessings 
of commerce, liberty, and independence, for which they 
and their fathers have expended so much blood and 
treasure. 

" Resolved, That we deeply lament a war between 
x\merica and England, as tending to hinder and obstruct 
those united exertions of piety and benevolence, which 
have of late so generally prevailed in both nations, to 
extend the blessings of the Gospel to the millions of our 
fellow-sinners perishing for lack of vision. 

'' Attest, John Jewett, Moderator. 

Joshua Jewett, Town Clerk.''^ 

The town voted to accept the foregoing report, (with 
but one dissenting vote,) and ordered the same to be 
published in the Newbury port Herald, printed in New- 
buryport, attested by the moderator and town clerk. 

Congress passed a law, (on declaring war against Eng- 
land,) authorizing the President to require of the Gov- 
ernors of the several States and Territories, to take ef- 
fectual measures to arm, organize, and hold in readiness 
27 



314 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



to march, on the shortest notice, their respective propor- 
tions of one hundred thousand militia. Massachusetts 
was called on to furnish men for the forts on the mari- 
time frontier. The executive declined compliance on 
the ground of constitutional objections,* and the militia 
of the State was not called to the forts and tented field 
under United States officers ; but the defence of the 
whole sea-coast of Massachusetts and Maine was almost 
entirely left to Massachusetts (then including Maine) 
alone to defend, which she did as well as she was able, 
at great expense. f 

On the 15th of February, 1815, the town voted. That 
each detached soldier belonging to this town, who had 
served himself, or by his substitute, in the then present 
war with England, be made up eighteen dollars per 
month while in service, including government pay. 

The videttes were to be made up the same monthly 
pay as infantry soldiers. 

The following named persons received of the treasurer 
of the town, in the month of April, for services in the 
war, the sums set against their respective names, viz. 



John Bridges, Jr. 


$ 19.53 


Paul Dole, Jr. 


$ 10-63 


David Brocklebank, 


19-53 


Ralph Dole, 


1063 


Moses Daniels, 


19-53 


James Dickinson, 


10-63 


Bradstreet Emerson, 


19-53 


Darius Dickinson, 


10-63 


Daniel Harris, 


19-53 


Nathaniel R. Farley, 


10-63 


Benjamin Spiller, 


19-53 


Nathan Hobson, 


10-63 


Thomas Creasy, 


10-63 


Phineas Hardy, 


10-63 


Francis Dole, 


1063 


Matthew Johnson, 


10-63 


Edmund Dole, 


1063 


Samuel Jewett, 


10 63 



*" Governor Strong held, that he had not a constitutional right to 
place the militia of this State under officers of the United States, to 
be marched and required to perform duty he knew not where. 

t Massachusetts claimed against the United States $ 843,349*60 
Payment has been made of . . . 430,748-26 





FIRST 


PARISH. 


315 


Thomas Merrill, Jr. 


$ 10-63 


Benjamin Todd, Jr. 


$10-63 


John Prime, 


10-63 


Richard Davis, 


6-51 


Daniel Palmer, 


1063 


Parker G. Thurlow, 


1.73 


Isaac Pickard, 


10-63 


Nathaniel Bradstreet, 


3-90 


David Perley, 


10-63 


Daniel N. Prime, 


3-90 


Paul Stickney, Jr. 


10-63 


Nathaniel Prime, 


3.90 


Mighill SpofFord, 


10-63 




$ 349-72 


The last three served as 


videttes. 





The aforenamed men performed most of their service 
at Gloucester ; some at Marblehead and Beverly. 



FIRST PARISH. 
The First Parish is that part of ancient Rowley 
where Rogers and his company of sixty families first 
settled. The place, selected for their permanent home, 
was unusually pleasant. Having come from a place in 
England where water, it is said, was obtained with diffi- 
culty, they laid out their streets in such a manner, as 
that every person's house lot should either join, or be of 
easy access to, that never-failing brook which runs 
through the parish, and their streets were, at first, (as has 
been shown,) laid out wide and commodious. They 
were undoubtedly men of wise forecast ; in proof of 
which we can assert, that not one of the streets, at first 
laid out, has ever been materially altered, not one has 
ever been discontinued, nor has there been a single addi- 
tional street or road laid out within the compass of those 
at first laid out, from that day to this ; and the site then 
selected for their meeting-house, has ever remained the 
site of the parish meeting-house. The present house 
is the third built in the parish, and probably occupies 
the same ground as the first ; the second stood very near 
to the northerly end of the present one. The first set* 



316 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

tiers displayed a most excellent taste in the selection and 
laying out of their public common, or training field. It 
is not exceeded, for beauty and convenience, by any in 
the country. They were public-spirited men, and they 
took special care to preserve fire-wood, timber, and 
ornamental trees, for the benefit of succeeding genera- 
tions, as may be seen by their various by-laws, published 
in this work. Coming, as they did, from the land of 
John Evelyn^ they brought with them a share of that 
love he had for trees, which has descended to their pos- 
terity. Some of those ornamental and useful trees, pro- 
tected by said by-laws, continued standing until within a 
few years ; nor were they ever intentionally injured, but 
were preserved with care. But at length, however, 
'^ they began to lose that beauty they had, and by force 
of mighty winds their great boughs and branches were 
beat one against another, their leaves fell off, and their 
limbs withered," and the last 

" Old oake, whose pith and sap were seare, 
At pufFe of euery storme did stagger here and there." 

The setting of new ornamental trees, to supply the 
places of those so long preserved and protected by our 
forefathers, having been in a great measure neglected 
until the spring of 1839, when the town determined they 
would suitably notice the return of the two hundredth 
year from the settlement of their Pilgrim fathers ; the 
citizens, in view of the many and great obligations they 
were under to their ancestors for the rich inheritance 
left them, found they had been deficient in many things, 
and, with a laudable zeal, set themselves to work to 
make some amends, by ornamenting their common and 
other public squares in the parish with rows of trees. 
This was done by planting nearly one hundred young 



FIRST PARISH. ' 317 

elms, which, it is hoped, will be found " fair and 
flourishing, with nothing to keep them from the eyes 
and admiration " of the generations who shall assemble 
to celebrate the third and fourth centennial anniversaries 
of the settlement of the ancient town of Rowley. 

Up to the time of the setting off the Second Parish, 
in 1731, the parochial concerns of the old First Society 
had been managed by the town. From that time they 
have acted independently of the town, taking the name 
and style of the First Parish in Rowley. The school- 
house in this parish has ever stood near the meeting- 
house, and, for many years, the young men of the place 
held a prayer-meeting therein, on Sabbath evenings. 
This prayer-meeting was established, it is believed, soon 
after the great earthquake in 1727, and continued to be 
held in the school-house until after Thomas Mighill was 
appointed a deacon in the church, when, for some rea- 
son, it was removed to his house ; after which it became 
more general in its character, people of all classes at- 
tending if ihey chose ; and during the Rev. Mr. Brad- 
ford's ministry, he usually attended and took the lead, 
expounding some portion of Scripture, &c. Those 
meetings were continued at Deacon Mighill's house 
until near the close of his life, in 1807, a period of about 
eighty years from their first establishment in the school- 
house ; and so well approved were they by the people, 
that the parish, as such, usually defrayed the expense of 
lighting the school-house. For several years this parish 
made a grant of £ 13 6s. 8d. each year, for the sup- 
port of schools, which they expended in addition to 
their proportion of money raised by the town. This 
parish hold real estate given for the support of the gos- 
pel ministry in the parish, the annual income of which, 
27 # 



318 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

for the last eighty years, has varied from about two hun- 
dred to four hundred dollars per year. 

The first settlers, having furnished themselves with a 
meeting-house bell, caused it to be rung, not only on the 
Sabbath and other public occasions, but at nine o'clock 
in the evening on each day in the week, and this prac- 
tice has been continued, it is believed, with very little 
variation, ever since the days of the venerable Rogers. 
A portion of the time, however, it was rung on Saturday 
evenings at eight o'clock, as a signal to the people to 
discontinue their worldly business, and prepare for the 
approaching Sabbath. 

This old parish, described by its territorial limits, 
bounds northerly on Newbury, easterly on the Atlantic 
Ocean, (including the central fifth part of Plum Island,) 
southerly by Ipswich, and westerly by Byfield and Line- 
brook parishes. 

In the easterly part of this parish is a tract of salt 
marsh, containing from fifteen hundred to two thousand 
acres. Much of the hay is brought on boats to Rowley 
landing. The river from the landing empties into Plum 
Island Sound, and thence out at Ipswich bar. 

Ship-building was formerly carried on at said landing, 
or ship-yard, to considerable extent, first by one Duncan 
Stewart and his sons, who came from Newbury to Row- 
ley as early as 1680, and perhaps sooner. This Dun- 
can Stewart died in 1717, at the age of one hundred 
years. Previous to his death, he and his sons sold out 
all their interest in the ship-yard, stock, tools, he. to 
one Edward Saunders, a young man from Scituate. He 
carried on the business many years, married in Rowley, 
had six sons, most of whom were brought up to the 
business of ship-building. Of late years, but few vessels 



SECOND PARISH. 319 

have been built in the place, and these have been mostly 
small fishing craft, of from thirty to fifty tons burden ; 
and most of them have been built near the residence of 
the undertakers, and, when finished, drawn to the river 
by oxen, a distance of about one mile on an average. 
The largest vessel ever built in the place, that was drawn 
by oxen, was one built by Captain Nathaniel Perley upon 
Rowley common, and near his dwelling-house, of ninety 
tons burden. This vessel was drawn a distance of one 
mile and a half to the river, by more than one hun- 
dred yoke of oxen. She was called the " Country'' s 
Wonder,^^ and was the largest vessel known to have 
been built in the county at so great a distance from 
water. 

The river is useful to the place, for bringing in their 
wood, lumber, bark, &c., and might be made of much 
greater use, were a few enterprising men to go into 
business there, as it is believed they might do to good 
advantage. The Eastern Railroad crossing the river 
within a few rods of the landing-place, and a convenient 
depot being established a little north of the river, and 
the land about the depot and landing-place being well 
calculated to build upon ; a more pleasant and desirable 
place for men of capital and enterprise to build up a 
village, is not known to the writer. Mill River, which 
forms the dividing line, (in part,) between this parish 
and Newbury, abounds with small fish of various kinds. 
Many thousand score of smelts are here taken and sold 
in Boston market yearly. In that part of Plum-Island 
River lying within this parish, and in Rowley River, are 
several hundred acres of flats well stocked with clams, 
from which hundreds of barrels of bait are annually taken. 
These clam Banks discount liberally to all who make 



320 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. , 

suitable draughts thereon, and no citizen's draught has 
ever been dishonored yet, 



NEW ROWLEY. 

x\t what time that part of Rowley, which has till late- 
]y been called New Rowley or the Second Parish, be- 
gan to be settled, is not known with certainty ; but the 
records show, that a lot of meadow and upland, lying 
south of the dwelling-house of Colonel John Kimball, 
was laid out to Elder Rainer, before 1652 ; the meadow 
is still known by the name of the Elder Rainer meadow. 
In 1652, several lots of land were laid out to Thomas 
Mighill, one of which is described as bounding upon the 
said Rainer's land. A piece of meadow land, adjoining 
land now the burial-ground in Georgetown, was bounded 
westerly by the Pen Brook, * so called. This last men- 
tioned piece is now owned by descendants of said Mighill. 
Also another piece upon the Rocky Hills, (now so called.) 
Upon these hills, the young cattle were at first penned, 
from which the brook took its name. 

In 1661, the town sold John Brocklebank ten acres 
of upland adjoining to the northerly side of the last above- 
mentioned piece of meadow. This was sold, says the 
record, to raise money tow^ard paying a legacy given by 
the Rev. Ezekiel Rogers, deceased, to his nephew, Eze- 
kiel Rogers, of Ipswich. 

This same year, the town laid out to Samuel Brockle- 
bank seventy-two acres of land, bounded easterly by 
Pen Brook, and extending southerly nearly to Elder 
Rainer's meadow, the westerly side bounded partly by a 

*The brook which crosses the road, next easterly of the Congrega- 
tional meeting-house. 



SECOND PARISH. 321 

highway, and the northerly end by a way * where the cat- 
tle go over the brook to the pen land.f Upon this tract 
of land a Samuel Brocklebank settled. His house stood 
where Major Paul Nelson's house now stands. At the 
same time, there was laid out to Mrs. Rogers, as the 
right of her first husband, Thomas Barker, deceased, a 
lot of land lying on the southerly side of Pentucket Pond, 
so called, and adjoining said pond ; the number of acres 
is omitted on the record. 

There was also laid out to said Mrs. Rogers, in 
right of said Barker, another tract of land containing 
three hundred and seventy acres, bounded southerly by 
said Pentucket Pond, and by the brook running into and 
out of the pond, extending westerly as far as the great 
rock, (now a bound between Georgetown and Bradford, 
situate near the house of Nathaniel Holmes,) extending 
easterly to a marked tree by the brook, at which place 
the brook runneth into the Crane meadow, so called. 

In 1666 or 1667, the tract of land called the three 
thousand acres was laid out (as village land). Tlie line, 
which to this time had divided the village lands, as they 
were called, from the lands belonging to the town proper, 
was drawn very near where the road leading from Haver- 
hill to Salem, through Georgetown, now passes. 

1687-8, February 23. The town ordered a small 
farm to be laid out in the three thousand acres, (had in 
exchange for land at the neck,) and the rent of said farm, 
it was agreed, shall be for the use of the ministry ; John 
Pickard, John Pearson, and Ezekiel Norihend, were 



* The same way now used by Nathaniel Nelson, to go to his pasture 
on Rocky Hill. 

t The pen land is now called the Rocky Hills. 



322 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

chosen to lay out said farm ; and they with the selectmen 
were instructed to agree with some person to go upon 
the farm. The committee were instructed to lay out 
not above three score acres of upland, and thirty acres 
of meadow, or half of the meadow belonging to the three 
thousand acres. 

March 17. The town voted. That if John Spofford 
will go on to the farm granted to be laid out in the three 
thousand acres, that he shall have the benefit of penning 
the cattle for the term of seven years, he keeping the 
herd as carefully and as cheap as any others would do. 

March 19, 1668-9. John Spofford took a lease of 
the said farm, in form following, viz. 

"Be it known unto all men by these presents, that we, 
John Pickard, John Pearson, Ezekiel Northend, Thomas 
Leaver, John Dresser, John Johnson, James Dickin- 
son, and Philip Nelson, all of us of the town of Rowley, 
in the county of Essex, in New England, have to farm 
letten by the order of the towne of Rowley, unto John 
Spofforth, of the same towne and county, his heirs and 
assigns, thre score acers of land sittuate in Rowley 
aforesaide, at the pen where the young cattle of the 
towne have beene herded this last yeare, called by the 
name of gravelle plaine. Bounded upon the southeast 
neare to a thick swampe, upon the northeast about 
twenty rods below an old path, upon the northwest by a 
greate rocke, upon the southwest upon a red oake neare 
to a runlet of water. And allsoe, thirty acers of med- 
dow, more or less, liinge by the old path that goeth to 
Andover, called by the name of the halfe moon meddow. 

" To Have and to Hovlde, to the said John 
Spofforth, his heirs and assigns, the saide sixty acers of 
upland, bounded as aforesaid, and allsoe the thirty acers 



SECOND PARISH. 323 

of meddow, called halfe moon meddow, for the terme 
and space of twenty and one yeares, the terme of yeares 
to begin at the day of the date hereof, the first five 
yeares he is to pay no rent nor any rates to ministry or 
towne rates, exceptinge three hundred of good white 
cake two inch planke, some lime within two yeares, to 
be delivered at the meetinge-house, and the rest of the 
twenty and one yeares, he is to pay ten pounds yearly, 
for the saide land and meddow, and thirty shillings for 
all stocke and land that he shall improve yearly, and is 
for the rates of the saide land and stocke, and the ten 
pounds is yearly to be payed at or before the nintenth 
of March, any where in Rowley, where the select men 
that are yearly chosen shall appoint, the one halfe of the 
saide rent is yearly to be payed in English corne at 
price currant, the other halfe in fat cattell or leane, at 
price currant, as they shall be priced by indifferent men, 
if he pay in leane cattell, they are not to exceede above 
seven yeares of age, or in Indian corne if he pleas, what 
he doth pay in fat cattell, he is to pay at or before 
Mihilmas,* and he is to make use of any timber for 
buildings or other necessaryes for farminge, and he is to 
make use of by way of saile, of no timber, but to the 
town of Rowley, and he is to sell no hay exceeding 
above five loads yearly ; and all dunge that shall be made 
yearly, to be laide upon the saide land, none to be given 
or soulde. And what buildings he shall erect upon the 
saide land, he is to uphold them, and leave them tenant- 
able, at the end of his lease, and allsoe all fences that he 
shall make, to leave them in good tenantable repaire, he 
is to pay yearly cuntry rates, at the last yeare he is to 

* The feast of St. Michael, a festival of the Romish Church, cele- 
brated September 29. 



324 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

live in the bouse untill May day, (first day of May,) 
that so he may spend his fother upon the saide land, and 
the towne shall have liberty upon the nintenth of March 
to enter upon the saide land or other messuages, as en- 
tertainment into bouse and barne, for them and theirs, 
family and cattell. And to the true and sure perform- 
ance hereof, the saide John SpofForth bath hereunto 
set bis band and seal the day and yeare above written. 

his 

'' John O Spofard. [Seal.~\ 

mark. 

" Read, sealed, and delivered, 
in the presence of us, 

'^ Philip Nelson, Thomas Leaver, John Dresser, 
Sen., John Johnson, James Dickinson." 

Eight years afterward, he assigned all his right and 
interest in the lease to bis two sons, John and Samuel, 
in the words following, viz. 

" I, John SpofForth, Senior, doe assigne ouer all my 
right and interest in the lease above written unto my two 
sons, John SpofForth, Junior, and Samuel SpofForth, 
this 16tb of March, 1676-7, as doth witness ray 
hand. 

his 

^' John O Spofforth, Sen." 

marke. 

At the time of the above transfer, the terms and con- 
ditions of the lease were changed, and its continuance 
extended to sixty years from this time, in manner follow- 
ing, viz. 

" We whose names are under written, beinge appoint- 
ed by the towne of Rowley for to allter or change the 
conditions of the above said lease, and to let it for longer 
time, we have agreed with John SpofForth and Samuel 



SECOND PARISH. 325 

Spofforth, sons and assignees to John Spofforth, Senior, 
that the time of their lease shall be lengthened out thre 
score years from the day of the date hereof, and that 
they are to pay, yearly, eight pounds, in such pay 
as the lease above written doth specific, and they are 
yearly to pay to the ministry rate for what stock they 
keep upon the said land, and for all broke up land, and 
unbroke land, as the inhabitants of the town doe pay ; 
they have liberty to pay in porke tliere rent, if they see 
cause. And duringe the times of the Indian wars, there 
rent is to be abated accordinge to the iudgment of indif- 
ferent men, if they be hindered in carrying on the saide 
farme. At the end of there lease they are to be allowed 
for all buildings on the said farme, to be uallued by in- 
different men, prouided they are not to excede above 
twenty pounds. As doth witness our hands, 
" Ezekiel Northend, Daniell Wicom, 

Samuel Platts, Sen. Richard Holms, 

Philip Nelson, John Pearson, 

John Bailey, ^.^ 

Ezekiel Mighill, John O Spofforth, Jr. 

John Pickard, Sen. '^^^^• 

William Tenney, Sammuel Spofforth. 

" March 16, 1676-7." 

The aforenamed John Spofford, Sen., (who died 
April 22, 1696,) with his family, commenced a settle- 
ment upon the leased premises, (probably,) in the year 
1669, when his son John was about twenty-one years 
of age, and his son Samuel about seventeen. It is be- 
lieved they were the first settlers in what has since been 
called the Second Parish in Rowley, (now George- 
town.) At what time the aforenamed Brocklebank 
28 



326 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

place was settled, is not known. The grant was made 
to that Samuel Brocklebank, who was afterward Captain 
Broclebank, and slain by the Indians, in April, 1676, 
as has been stated. It is not probable that he settled 
upon it. He left a son Samuel, born November 28, 
1653, who was upon the farm in 1685 ; the records 
show, that, in that year, he was paid for the damage of 
a country road laid out through his farm, (supposed to 
be the road from Rowley to Haverhill, laid out in 1662.) 
But few families settled in this part of the town pre- 
vious to 1700. Jeremiah Chaplin, the son of Joseph, 
and grandson of Hugh, early settled upon the place 
where Benjamin Adams now lives. Solomon Nelson, 
the son of Francis, grandson of Thomas, and great- 
grandson of the first Thomas, married the said Jeremiah 
Chaplin's daughter Mercy, and early settled upon that 
farm, now owned by his grandson, Deacon Solomon 
Nelson. Stephen Mighill, the son of Nathaniel, and 
grandson of Thomas, early settled upon that farm on 
Bald-pate Hill, now owned by his grandson. Dr. David 
Mighill. The Plumers, and probably some other fami- 
lies, were early settled in the place. From 1700 to 
1730, many families settled here. On the 27th of May, 
1730, they petitioned the General Court to be set off 
as a separate and distinct precinct or parish. Their 
petition is signed by forty-two persons, whose names 
were, 

JohnAdams, Richard Boynton, Jr. 

William Adams, Thomas Burpee, 

John Brocklebank, Ebenezer Burpee, 

Francis Brocklebank, Nathan Boynton, 

Jonathan Boynton, Jonathan Bradstreet, 

Richard Boynton, Jeremiah Chaplin, 



SECOND PARISH. 



327 



Jonathan Chaplin, 
Bennony Chase, 
Richard Dole, 
William Fisk, 
Leonard Harriman, 
Nathaniel Harriman, 
Samuel Harriman, 
Jonathan Harriman, 
John Harriman, 
Samuel Hazen, 
John Hazen, 
Samuel Johnson, 
Daniel Kilborn, 
Jeremiah Nelson, 
Solomon Nelson, 



Joseph Nelson, 
Aaron Pingrye, 
Job Pingrye, 
Thomas Plumer, 
Daniel Plumer, 
Jedidiah Pearson, 
David Pearson, 
David Perley, 
William Searle, 
Samuel SpafFord, 
Jonathan SpafFord, 
Benjamin Stickney, 
Jonathan Stickney, 
Abner Todd, 
Jonathan Wheeler. 



They were incorporated October 1, 1731. The first 
parish meeting, for choice of officers, was held October 
5, 1731. 

John SpofFord was chosen Moderator, 



Clerk, 



1 



Jonathan Boynton 

John SpofFord, 

Jeremiah Chaplin, 

Benjamin Plumer, 

William Searle, 

Aaron Pingree, 

Jonathan Thurston, 

Samuel Johnson, 
1736. Lieutenant Jonathan 
Burpee, and John Brocklebank were a committee to 
lease, for the term of nine hundred and ninety-nine 
years, this parish's part of the SpofFord farm, so called. 
1739. The parish voted to build a school-house, 
twenty feet by sixteen, eight feet post, to stand between 



Assessors, 

Collectors. 
Bradstreet, Ebenezer 



328 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

the brook by Captain Jonathan Bradstreet's, and the 
brook by Francis Brocklebank's. Also, voted, To in- 
vite Mr. Samuel Pay son to keep school in the parish. 

1745. Voted, To build another school-house of the 
same dimensions as the other, to sit between Mr. 
Chandler's and Mr. Brocklebank's brook. 

1750. They voted, That the school be kept one 
third of the lime in the upper house, and the rest of 
the time in the lower house. 

1753. Voted, That one third of the time the school 
be kept in the parish school-house, one third in the 
upper, and one third in the north part of the parish. 

1754. The parish voted to buy a law-book. 

1770. Voted, That the school be kept one third at 
the parish school-house, one third on the hill, and one 
third at the north, if they will find a room. 

Voted, That Moses Johnson keep the school one 
month, and may continue it three months, if he will 
keep a good school for seven dollars a month. 

Voted, That William Chandler may keep school 
three months on the same conditions. 

1773. Voted, To employ Greenleaf Dole to keep 
school for £2 iSs, Od. per month. 

1775, February. Voted, To raise minute men, ac- 
cording to the advice of the Provincial Congress. 

1778. The parish voted. To build a new school- 
house, near where Benjamin Thurston's house stood. 

1779. Voted, To employ Greenleaf Dole to keep 
school. 

The central part of this parish is situated six miles 
westerly from the First Parish. Its population and 
wealth, for many years, was considerably less than that 
pf the first. Since the year ISIO, they have been grad- 



BYFIELD. 329 

ually increasing ; the introduction of the tanning and 
shoe business into this parish, by a number of enterpris- 
ing men, has caused a rapid increase of population and 
business in the place, within the last ten years. In 
1836, a bank was established here, with a capital of 
$ 100,000 ; the semi-annual dividends have averaged 
over three per cent. In April, 1838, the most of this 
Parish, with the largest portion of Rowley part of By- 
field Parish, were incorporated as a separate town by the 
name of Georgetotvn. This town has a central location 
in the northerly half of the county of Essex, rendering 
it, therefore, a convenient place for holding various pub- 
lic meetings ; the Essex agricultural exhibition, when 
holden in the northern part of the county, has been of- 
tener held here, than in any other town. 

There is one large public house, with spacious hall, 
&C.5 kept by Colonel John B. Savory, and seven trad- 
ing stores in the place, some of which are doing an ex- 
tensive business. 



BYFIELD PARISH. 

That part of Rowley, now within the limits of By- 
field Parish, was early settled by various families, by the 
name of Boynton, Broivn, Chute, Look, Lull, Poor, 
Stewart, Stickney, Tenney, Wheeler., and probably oth- 
ers. It was at first called Roivlbery. Several of the 
families who first settled here were from Newbury, and 
for many years they travelled from four to six miles, to 
attend meeting upon the Sabbath, at Rowley, where they 
enjoyed religious privileges, until they voluntarily united 
with their neighbours of Newbury, and built a house for 
public worship, in 1702. In Newbury, within the limits 
28* 



330 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

of this parish, is located the " Dummer Academy," the 
oldest institution of the kind within the Commonwealth, 
which has afforded the people of this parish a good 
school in which to prepare their children for college, 
and they have not neglected to improve it ; perhaps 
no country parish within the Commonwealth have edu- 
cated more young men, according to their population, 
than By field. 

It will be observed under the proper head, that Row- 
ley has educated a greater number of young men, ac- 
cording to their population and means, than most other 
towns ; which is accounted for in the same way, viz. 
the convenient access ihey have had to this Academy. 

The first woollen factory built in this State, is now 
standing in this parish, owned by Gorham Parsons, Esq. 

The dimensions of their first meeting-house are not 
known. 

Their second, built in 1746, was fifty-six by forty-five 
feet, with a steeple twelve feet square, and a tall spire 
This house was burnt March 1, 1833. A new house 
sixty-two by forty-five feet, was built the same year, and 
dedicated November 7. Dedication sermon by Rev 
John P. Cleaveland, then of Salem. 

Beneath the southwest corner-stone of this house 
which was placed May 20, 1833, was deposited a suita 
ble box, containing various coins, newspapers, &c., all 
which was done with appropriate ceremonies, and an ad 
dress on the occasion by N.ehemiah Cleaveland, Esq. 
then Preceptor of the " Dummer Academy." 

The first church bell, given by Judge Byfield 
weighed two hundred and twenty-six pounds. 

The second church bell, given by Ebenezer Par- 
sons, Esq., in 1817, weighed eight hundred and eighty- 
five pounds. 



HARVARD COLLEGE. 33I 

The third church bell, purchased by the parish in 
1833, weighed one thousand pounds. 

The bell, for many years, has usually been rung at 
twelve o'clock at noon, and nine o'clock in the evening, 
on week days. 



HARVARD COLLEGE AND ROWLEY'S DIVISION. 

Rec<^ on Record, Aug. 26, 1736. 
" Articles of agreement, for division and partition, in- 
dented, made, and concluded, on the twentieth day of 
November, in the ninth year of His Majestie's Reign, 
Anno Domini 1735, Between Edward Hutchinson of 
Boston in the County of Suffolk, in the Province of the 
Mass. Bay, in New England, Esqr. ; Henry Flint of 
Cambridge in the County of Middlesex, the Province 
aforesaid. Esq'., Nath^ Appleton of Cambridge afores*^, 
Clerk, and Andrew Bordman, Steward of Harvard 
College, in Cambridge afores'^, Esq., or any three of 
them, a committee appointed and empowerd by the 
President and Fellows of Harvard College in Cambridge 
afores'', the eighteenth of August, 1735, as by the records 
of the College may appear, to make such amicable agree- 
ments and settlements for and in behalf of said College, 
with the Church and Town of Rowley in the County of 
Essex, referring to the division and settlement of sun- 
drie parcels of land, given and bequeathed to said Har- 
vard College, and Church and Town of Rowley, by the 
Rev. Mr. Ezekiel Rogers, late of Rowley afores'', Clerk, 
dec'' ; on the one part, and Deacon Humphry Hobson, 
Thomas Lambert, Esq'., Ephraim Nelson, Gentl", Jo- 
seph Jewett, Jr., Yeoman, and John Northend, Gentl", 
a committee appointed by said Church of Rowley, and 
Ephraim Nelson, Nath' Mighill, Jeremiah Chaplin, Gen- 



332 HISTOHY OF ROWLEY, 

tlemen, Samuel Dickinson, Yeoman, and Thomas Lam- 
bert, Esq., a committee appointed by said town of Row- 
ley, to join with the committee aforesaid, in the division 
and final settlement of s^ parcels of land, bequeathed as 
aforesaid ; on the other part, as followeth. To wit. 
Whereas the s^ President and Fellows of s*^ Harvard 
College, and the s^ Church and Town of Rowley, by 
virtue of the last will and testament of the said late 
Rev. Mr. Ezekiel Rogers, of Rowley, dec"^, are seized 
and possessed of sundry parcels of upland, meadow, and 
woodland, as in their own right, as of fee, in Rowley 
afores'^ ; and that the said President and Fellows, and the 
said Church and Town, might know, have, and enjoy their 
respective rights in s"^ several parcels of land, given and 
bequeathed as afores'', in severalty : Wherefore, we, 
the said Edward Hutchinson, Henry Fhnt, Nath^ Apple- 
ton, and Andrew Bordman, in the capacity aforesaid, 
for and in behalf of said President and Fellows of said 
Harvard College, and their successors ; and we, the said 
Humphrey Hobson, Thomas Lambert, Ephraim Nelson, 
Joseph Jewett, Jr., and John Northend, — Ephraim 
Nelson, Nath' Mighill, Jeremiah Chaplin, Samuel 
Dickinson, and Thomas Lambert, in the capacity afore- 
said, for and in behalf of said Church and Town of Row- 
ley, aforesaid, and their successors : Have mutually 
covenanted and agreed, and by these presents do mutu- 
ally covenant and agree, in and to the division, partition, 
and final settlement of said lands, as follows. Videlicet. 
"Imprimis. That the s'* President and Fellows of 
Harvard College, and their successors, shall and may 
from henceforth and forever hereafter. Have, hold, use, 
occupy, possess, and enjoy, as their part and share of 
said lands, the several pieces and parcels of s"^ lands, for 
the use of said College, as follows, to wit, 



HARVARD COLLEGE, 333 

" 1st. A certain piece and parcel of salt marsh and up- 
land, at a place called Sandy bridge, containing by esti- 
mation fifteen acres, be it more or less ; bounded west- 
erly on land belonging to the Chh. and Town, formerly 
given them by s'^ Rev. Mr. Ezekiel Rogers, dec^, south- 
erly and easterly on a creek, and partly on Jeremiah 
Hobson, till it comes to tlie road, then crossing said 
road, easterly on Capt. Pickard, to the northerly cor- 
ner ; and northerly on a highway. Also a highway run- 
ning across said land. 

"2d. Also another piece of salt marsh, called Cow- 
bridge marsh, about nine or ten acres, be it more or less ; 
bounded w^esterly on the Church and Town's land, given 
them by Mr. Ezekiel Rogers, aforesaid ; southerly, partly 
on James Platts, and partly on Richard Doell ; easterly 
on Pickard's land, and northerly, partly on s"^ Chh. and 
Town's land, and partly on Josiah Bishop. 

" 3d. Also about three quarters of an acre of salt 
marsh, be it more or less, called Highway marsh, bound- 
ed westerly and southerly by Deacon Boynton, easterly 
upon Jonathan Todd, and northerly w-ith widow Pickard. 

"4th. Also a piece of fresh meadow, called Satchel's 
meadow, about six acres, be it more or less ; bounded 
westerly on the Chh. and Town's land, given them by 
s*^ Mr. Rogers, southerly and easterly by a brook, north- 
erly and northwesterly on John Northend, which pieces 
of salt and fresh meadow and upland are supposed to 
yield one year with another about thirty loads of hay. 

" 5th. Also all that lot or tract of land laid out to Mr. 
Ezekiel Rogers, being at a place called Hounsley hill ; 
containing about thirty acres, be it more or less, bounded 
as on record in Rowley records. 

''6th. Also the lower home lot, or homestead, con- 



334 HISTORY or ROWLEY. 

taining about six acres, more or less ; bounded northerly, 
easterly, and southerly on highways, and westerly on 
Thomas Lambert, Jr., and Deacon Hobson. 

" 7th. Also the upper bouse lot, on the other side of 
the highway, containing about eight acres, more or less ; 
bounded southerly on the highway, easterly on the late 
Rev. Mr. Pay son's homestead and the highway or com- 
mon, northerly on Benjamin Smith, and the horse-pasture, 
and westerly on Deacon Hobson. 

" 8th. Also the Horse-pasture adjoining to said upper 
house lot, containing about eleven acres, more or less ; 
bounded easterly on Benjamin Smith, northerly on the 
Rev. Mr. Jewett and John Steward, westerly on Joseph 
Brocklebank, southerly on Capt. Mighill and Jeremiah 
and Humphrey Hobson, and said upper house lot. 

"9th. Also a piece of arable land, about six acres, 
more or less, lying near Mr. Ezekiel Northend's ; bound- 
ed northerly on the highway, easterly on said Ezekiel 
Northend, southerly on David Hammond, westerly on 
land in possession of John Todd. 

" 10th. Also a parcel of upland and marsh, being that 
part of Warehouse pasture which belonged to said Mr. 
Rogers, about fifteen acres, more or less ; bounded w^est- 
erly on Mr. Bradstreet and the creek, easterly on the 
river called Warehouse river and the ship yard, and 
northerly on Thomas Lambert, Esq., — a highway to the 
ship yard running through part of it. 

" 11th. Also eight wood lots in the three thousand 
acres, so called, marked and numbered as follows, to 
wit, with the letter A. No. 10. — D. No. 10.— D. 
No. 25. — i;. No. 3.— Q. No. 4. — S. ^o.7. — S. 
No. 4. — S. No. 14 ; the said several lots being butted 
and bounded as in the commoners' book of records in 
Rowley. 



HARVARD COLLEGE. 335 

** 12th. Also eight wood lots in the middle commons, 
so called, marked and numbered as follows, to wit, with 
the letter K. No. 10.— jL, No. b. — S. No. 9.--F. 
No. 2. — Q. No. l.—R. No. 11.— G. No 1. — X 
No, 2 ; the said several lots being butted and bounded 
as in the commoners' book of records in Rowley, or 
however these and all or any of the aforementioned pieces 
or parcels of land are otherwise bounded or reputed to 
be bounded. 

" 13th. Also four freehold rights or commonages in 
Mill swamp pasture, in the lower commons, lying in gen- 
eral with the rest of the proprietors in said pasture. 

" And the said Humphrey Hobson, Thomas Lam- 
bert, Ephraim Nelson, Joseph Jewett, Jr., and John 
Northend, a committee of the church, — and the said 
Ephraim Nelson, Nath' Mighill, Jeremiah Chaplin, Sam- 
uel Dickinson, and Thomas Lambert, the committee of 
the said town of Rowley, for and in behalf of said Chh. 
and Town, do hereby remise, release, and forever quit- 
claim unto the said President and Fellows of Harvard 
College and their successors, in said trust, for the use of 
said College forever ; All their right, title, interest, 
claim, and demand whatsoever, of, in, and unto all and 
every the forementioned parts and parcels of land, herein 
assigned and set off to said President and Fellows of 
s'^ College and their successors, for the use of s'^ College 
and their successors forever, as aforesaid. All which 
said several pieces and parcels of land remised and re- 
leased as aforesaid, together with the sum of one hun- 
dred pounds in Province bills of credit, paid for the use 
of Harvard College, is in full satisfaction for the whole 
right, interest, and demand of the said President and 
Fellows of said Harvard College, in and unto all and 



33@ HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

every part of the real estate of the said Rev. Mr. Eze- 
kiel Rogers aforesJ, dec'^, by virtue of his last will and 
testament. 

" Secondly. That the said Chh. and Town of Rowley 
shall and may from henceforth and forever, have, hold, 
possess, and enjoy, for the use of said Chh. and Town, as 
mentioned in said will, the following parcels of land, to 
wit, the salt marsh, upland, and meadow, given by the 
late Rev. Mr. Ezekiel Rogers aforesaid, being at Sandy- 
bridge, Cow-bridge, and Satchel's meadow ; that is to 
say, the whole of said pieces of land, excepting what in 
this aforewritten instrument is released to said College, 
also the whole of the land that said Chh. and Town hold 
and enjoy by virtue of said Mr. Rogers's said will, in 
the east and west end ox-pastures, in the additional grant 
to east end ox-pasture, called the new ox-pasture, at 
Hawk meadow, at great swamp, and two freeholds in the 
several late divisions of land in said town ; that is to say, 
the several divisions of lots of lands, that have or may 
arise by virtue of said freeholds, and all other pieces of 
land in said town wheresoever and whatsoever, which 
said College hereafter [might] demand, by virtue of said 
Mr. Rogers's will. And the said Edward Hutchinson, 
Henry Flint, Nath' Appleton, and Andrew Bordman, 
the committee aforesaid, for and in behalf of the s^ Pres- 
ident and Fellows of s*^ College ; do hereby remise, re- 
lease, and forever quit claim unto the s*^ Chh. and Town 
of Rowley, for the use of s^ Chh. and Town forever, ac- 
cording to the will of s*^ Mr. Rogers ; all their right, 
title, interest, and demand whatsoever, of, in, and unto, 
all and every of the aforementioned parts and parcels of 
land herein assigned and set off to the s'^ Chh. and Town 
forever as aforesaid. 



PARISH LANDS. 337 

**And in testimony hereof, and that the aforementioned 
division, partition, and settlement may remain firm and 
stable, and be held good and valid, by the s'^ parties and 
their successors respectively forever, according to the 
true intent and meaning of these presents, the respective 
committees for Harvard College, for the Chh. and for the 
Town of Rowley, have to these presents interchangeably 
set their hands and seals, the day and year first before 
written. 

'' Thomas Lambert, [Seal.] 
Ephraim Nelson, 
" Signed, sealed, Humphrey Hobson, 

and delivered, in Joseph Jewett, Jr. 

presence of us, John Northend, 

Benjamin Smith, Jeremiah Chaplin, 
Edward Saunders. Nath' Mighill, 

Samuel Dickinson, 

''Essex, ss. Rowley, Nov. 20, 1735. 

*' Then Tho^ Lambert, Esq., Ephraim Nelson, Hum- 
phrey Hobson, Joseph Jewett, Jr., John Northend, 
Jere'^ Chaplin, Naih' Mighill, and Sam^ Dickinson, all 
personally appeared and acknowledged y« above and 
foregoing written instrument to be their free act and deed. 
"Before Daniel Appleton, Js. Ps." 

The foregoing division of lands between the College 
and Town of Rowley, was probably agreed on some 
time earlier than the date indicates ; as the records of the 
town show that that portion of said lands which fell to 
the town, was divided among the several parishes in 
town, as early as July 24th, 1735. Which division was 
as follows. 

29 



338 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

"May 12, 1735. The town appointed Sergeant 
James Hibbert, Ens. John Northend, Corp. Joshua 
Jewett, Dea. William Searle, and Mr. Isaac Adams, a 
committee to make a division of said lands, and to report 
a draft of the division to the town for their acceptance. 

" July 24. The committee laid their doings before 
the town, and the same was accepted, and ordered to be 
put on record, viz. 

"Report. 

" 1st. That the First Parish in said town shall have 
all the lands and meadows being and lying in the First 
Parish in Rowley, that was given to the church and town 
of Rowley by the Rev. Ezekiel Rogers, late of Rowley, 
deceased, and all the other lands and meadows in said 
First Parish, belonging to said town, as is hereafter men- 
tioned, viz. 

" All the salt marsh at a place called Cow-bridge 
marsh. 

" Also all the marsh at a place called Sandy bridge, 
and also all the upland adjoining to it in the farm, so 
called, being now in the possession of Rev. Jedediah 
Jewett. 

" Also all the land at a place called Planting hill. 

"Also all the land at a place called Shatswell's 
ground. 

" Also all the meadow at a place called Shatswell's 
meadow. 

" All which lands and meadows were given to the 
church and town of Rowley, by Rev. iMr. Ez. Rogers, 
deceased. 

" Also all the pasture land in the east and west ox- 
pastures, being six ox-gates in the east end ox-pasture, 



PARISH LANDS. 339 

and four ox-gales in the west end ox-pasture, — now be- 
longing to said town. 

" Also all the land in Mill-swamp pasture, it being the 
right of two freeholds in that division, belonging to said 
town. 

" And also the one half of the farm called Spofford's 
farm, viz. the southerly side of the farm, which Mr. John 
SpofFord and Mr. Jonathan SpofFord are now in the im- 
provement of. Arid also half of the Half-moon meadow 
belonging to said farm, both for quantity and quality, — 
now belonging to said town. 

''2d. That the Second or West Parish in said town 
shall have one half of the farm called Spofford's farm, 
viz. the northerly side of said farm, which Mr. Samuel 
Spofford is in the improvement of ; also half of the Half- 
moon meadow, so called, both for quantity and quality, 
and four lots of land belonging to said town, in the upper 
commons, or above the brook called Pen brook, being 
the right of two freeholds in that division. And also the 
thatch-bank belonging to said town, at a place called 
Oyster point. And also ,£17 in bills of credit, to be 
paid to them by said town. And also to discount them 
the rent of the thatch-bank the last year. 

" 3d. That the Rowley part of Byfield Precinct shall 
have the town's lands, that are now in their improve- 
ment, in said Precinct, viz. 

" The meadow called Hawk-meadow, with the up- 
land belonging to it, as it may appear by record. 

" And also the lands in the new ox-pasture, so called, 
belonging to said town. And also the land in the great 
swamp pasture. And the land by Richard Leighton's, 
on the south side of the way, now in the improvement 
of said Leighton, belonging to said town. And also four 



340 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

lots in the middle commons, so called, belonging to said 
town, being the right of two freeholds in said division. 

"We also agree, that the said town shall put each 
parish, and the Rowley part of Byfield Precinct, into 
possession of their division of said lands and meadows, 
and particularly that the town put the First and Second 
Parishes into possession of Spofford's farm and the Half- 
moon meadow belonging thereunto ; viz. the First and 
Second Parishes into possession of flieir particular part 
of it, when the present lease of said farm is up, or at an 
end, at the cost and charge of said town. 

" We also agree, that the town shall find convenient 
ways to each division and parcel of their lands and mead- 
ows that is above divided, not already provided. 

'' And further we agree, that if the division, or any 
part of the division, as above mentioned, divided or set 
off to the First Parish, and Second Parish, and Rowley 
part of Byfield Precinct, as above divided, be withheld 
from whom it is above divided, or be taken from them 
by any law suit, that the town shall be at the cost and 
charge of defending their rights in every division, and 
every part of each division, against the lawful claim of 
any person or persons whatsoever. 

" And also we agree, that, if any particular part of any 
division of land, set off or divided to the above said 
First Parish or Second Parish, or Rowley part of By- 
field Precinct, shall be taken away from them by law, 
then the said town is to pay so much money yearly, to 
the party or parties, from whom such particular piece of 
land or meadow shall be taken, as it shall rent for 
yearly. 

" Also, we agree, that all above written shall be a full 



MERRIMACK LANDS. 34I 

and final settlement of the above said lands and meadows 
above mentioned, for the future, or for time being. 
" In witness whereof, we have set to our hands. 
" George Hibbert, 
William Searle, 
John Northend, \- Committee. 
Joshua Jewett, I 
Isaac Adams, J 
" Dated Rowley, Jiihj 14, 1735." 
Joseph Jewett, Jr., Samuel Dickinson, Daniel Plum- 
er, Richard Thurston, Benjamin Stickney, and Ebene- 
zer Burpee, dissented from the acceptance of the above 
report, and caused their dissent to be entered of record. 



MERRIMACK LANDS. 

As early as 1649, measures were taken for settling 
that part of ancient Rowley, now within the town of 
Bradford. In the spring of that year, the town entered 
into an agreement with Robert Heseltine, John Hesel- 
tine, and William Wild, to commence a settlement there. 
This agreement was finally put in writing, and entered 
upon record, December 3, 1652, as follows, viz. 

" Whereas, the covenant betwixt Robert Heseltine, 
John Heseltine, and William Wild, on the one partie, 
and the town of Rowley on the other partie, in the year 
one thousand six hundred and forty-nine, at their going 
to sett downe at Merrimack, was too implicitly drawn 
up, both in regard of uplands, meadows, and other ac- 
commodations, they were to have of the towne, as allsoe 
what they were to doe for the towne of Rowley in con- 
sideration of the aforesaid privileges, which the afore- 
said towne granted unto them. It was therefore ordered 
29* 



342 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

by the towne aforesaid, at the request of the said Robert, 
John, and William, at a lawful towne meeting, held the 
third of the fourth month, 1651, that the selectmen then 
in being, to witt, Matthew Boyes, John Trumble, and 
Thomas Leaver, should treat with the aforesaid Robert, 
John, and William, in the town's behalf, and soe draw 
up in writing, both what the said towne of Rowley had 
granted unto them, and what, in consideration of their 
grant, the towne expected from them, which was per- 
formed according to their present light. It being yet, 
upon further consideration, found, that the true intent of 
the town's grant to them, was not clearly and fully ex- 
pressed, it was further ordered by the said towne of 
Rowley, at a lawful towne meeting, held the 29th of the 
tenth month, 1652, upon debate with the aforesaid Rob- 
ert, John, and William, that Matthew Boyes and Fran- 
cis Parrot, with the selectmen then being, and Richard 
Swan, William Stickney, William Hobson, Samuel 
Brocklebank, and William Teney, should again draw up 
the covenant and agreement, which was formerly made 
betwixt the said towne of Row^ley and said Robert, John, 
and William, in all the particulars thereof, according to 
what was at that meeting acknowledged, both by the 
towne and the said parties, to be the true intent and mean- 
ing of that original compact and covenant, made between 
the towne and the aforesaid Robert, John, and William, 
in the year 1649, and that a final issue might be put to the 
said business, power was given to the aforesaid committee 
of the selectmen, and Matthew Boyes and Francis Parrot 
joined with them, to determine and conclude, on the 
town's behalf, what was the true grant of the towne to 
them, and what was their engagement to the towne ; and 
it is to be as followeth, viz. 



MERRIMACK LANDS. 343 

'' Imprimis. That the towne of Rowley hath granted 
to the said Robert Heseltine, John Hesehine, and Wil- 
liam Wild, each of them forty acres of upland, to be 
laid out to them as convenient as may be, without the 
great prejudice of the town. 

'' 2nd. The said towne of Rowley haih granted to 
the aforesaid parlies, each of ihem, to have commons for 
twenty head of cattle, which said commons they shall 
have liberty to fence in, wholly or in part, as they see 
cause. Provided, that the towne of Rowley doth de- 
clare that they did restrain them from liberty to erect 
any more than three tenements upon any part of the 
aforesaid upland or commons. 

'* 3rd. The towne hath granted to each of them 
twenty acres of meadow, and which meadow and up- 
land shall be laid out to them when they claim it, unless 
some providence of God shall hinder. 

" 4th. They have liberty to get, each of them, a 
thousand of pipe-staves yearly, for the space of seven 
years, which years began in 1649. 

" 5th. They have liberty on the commons to cut fire- 
wood for their families, as also timber for building, and 
for fencing in of their ground, provided, that they are 
not to fall any fencing stuff within a quarter of a mile of 
the pasture fence. 

" 6th. They are to be freed from all towne charges 
for the lands, houses, four oxen, and six cows, and four 
calves, each of them such a quantity, during the space 
of seven years, begun in 1649 ; also they have liberty 
to keep swine. 

" For and in consideration of all the aforesaid privi- 
leges, granted by the towne of Rowley, to the aforesaid 
Robert, John, and William, and their heirs and assigns, 



344 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

they have covenanted with the said towne, for them- 
selves, their heirs, and assigns, sufficiently to look to 
the herd of cattle, that the towne of Rowley shall put 
into the pasture during the time of seven years, which 
said time was to begin in the year 1649, provided the 
cattle be two years old and upward. Provided also, 
the towne shall give them 2s. by the day, for so much 
time as they shall spend about looking to said pasture. 

" 2nd. The said Robert, John, and William doth 
covenant with the towne to provide convenient diet and 
lodging, at indifferent times, to any that the towne shall 
send to keep any herd there. 

" In witness that this present writing is unanimously 
assented to by both parties, namely, the selectmen, with 
Matthew Boyes and Francis Parrot, on the town's be- 
half, and Robert Heseltine, John Heseltine, and Wil- 
liam Wild, on their part, to be a true draught of their 
mutual covenant, betwixt the said Robert, John, and 
William, and the town of Rowley, concerning their set- 
tling at Merrimack in the year 1649, the aforesaid com- 
mittee of the towne, and the said Robert, John, and 
William, have jointly subscribed their hands, this present 
3rd of the tenth month, 1652. 

Robert Heseltine, Richard Swan, 

his William Hobson, 



John -{- Heseltine, 
mark. 



his 

William \ Stickney, 
William Wild, mark. 

Francis Parrot, Samuel Brocklebank, 

Matthew Boyes, William Tenny. 

The aforenamed Robert Heseltine, John Heseltine, 
and William Wild, were probably the first permanent 



MERRIMACK LANDS. 345 

settlers * in what is now the town of Bradford. William 
Wild, after a few years' residence in the place, removed 
to Ipswich, where he died, 1662. A part of his lands 
he sold to the two Heseltines, and a part to one George 
Hadley, who settled thereupon. 

Soon after the settlement of these men upon the Mer- 
rimack lands, the town laid out to them four hundred 
and fifty-five acres of upland, and forty acres of mesdow 
land. The upland was lying along upon the river a con- 
siderable distance, extending a little way above where 
Haverhill bridge is now located, and a much greater dis- 
tance below ; the exact limits cannot be now defined. 

Their meadow land was mostly located in that meadow, 
which is now partly in Georgetown and partly in Box- 
ford, lying near the house of Daniel Poor, of said 
Georgetown, and now called the Heseltine meadow. 

The first road, leading from Haverhill Ferry toward 
Rowley Town, was laid along by the river for a consider- 
able distance. In March, 1662, the town of Rowley 
appointed Lieutenant Samuel Brocklebank and Richard 
Swan, to join with the town's men (selectmen) of 
Haverhill, to determine where the road from Haverhill 
to Rowley should be ; who, on account of the great ex- 
pense of maintaining a road by the river, extended it up 
from the river, to the corner of John Hesehine's field, 
and turning that corner, and so on to Stony Brook, &c. 



* The Rev. G. B. Perry, in a historical sermon of his, delivered 
December 22, 1820, says, ''The first house, built in Bradford, was 
north of the road leading to Haverhill, and about forty rods above 
Francis Kimball's, where the cellar may yet be seen. It was owned 
by a Mr. Jackson, whose Christian name was probably William." A 
William Jackson was one of the first settlers of Rowley, and died in 
Rowley, May 1, 1688. 



346 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

The road then laid out, to and through what is now 
Georgetown, to Rowley, was substantially the same as 
now travelled. The corner of John Hesehine's field, 
mentioned above, is supposed to be the same corner, 
upon which the buildings of the heirs of Moses Kimball 
now stand. 

The Merrimack Lands, next laid out, were two farms 
or tracts, of three hundred acres each, one to the Rev. 
Ezekiel Rogers, and the other to the Rev. Samuel 
Phillips. 

Mr. Phillips's farm was bounded westerly by John- 
son's Creek, so called, northerly one hundred and fifty 
rods by the river, easterly by Mr. Rogers's farm, ex- 
tending southerly so far as to contain the three hundred 
acres. 

Mr. Rogers's farm was lying next easterly of Mr. 
Phillips's, and bounded upon the river about, one hun- 
dred and fifty rods ; the two tracts extended easterly, 
nearly down to where the Rev. Mr. Perry's meeting- 
house now stands. These were laid out before 1658. 

Mr. Phillips had twenty acres, and Mr. Rogers twen- 
ty-five acres, of meadow land, laid out to them at the 
same time, in Jeremie's meadow, so called. 

December 20, 1658. The town voted, That Mr. 
Joseph Jewett should have nine hundi'ed and sixty acres 
of land in the neck, beyond the Hesehine's, and forty 
acres of meadow elsewhere, in exchange for three thou- 
sand acres in the village land about the Bald Hills. The 
nine hundred and sixty acres was " bounded by a runnell 
of water that falls into Merrimack River on the east, 
and from said runnell of water to a white oak tree, and 
from thence to Merrimack River by Andover line." 

At an early period, one Glover had a farm laid out 



MERRIMACK LANDS. 347 

adjoining the river, and supposed to be next below the 
land laid out to Joseph Jewett, as above. 

In March, 1671. The town caused various river lots 
to be laid out, beginning at the Glover farm, and extend- 
ing down river, viz. 















Kocls 


wide 














at 


river. 


To 


Joseph Chaplin, 






. 


35 acres 


,IH 




John Simmons in i 


right 


of 


W^idow Cooper, 


42 




12 




Abraham Foster, " 


<< 




John Burbank, 


37 




12 




John Simmons, " 


(( 




Thomas Pahner, 


3G 




14 




(( (( a 


(( 




Wm. Wilds & another 


,GG 




27 




a ti <c 


11 




Hugh Smith, 


33 




12 




Jonathan Hopkinson 






Michael Hopkinson, 


32 




14 




Samuel Boswell, 


li 




Wm. &JohnBoynton 


,53 




24^ 




James Dickinson, 


li 




Thomas Dickinson, 


57 




23 




Deacon Jewett, 


iC 




John Spoforth, 


95 




3H 



(< 


James Canada 


and 


} 


It 


James 


i Barker, 


Jr., 


u 


John 


Boynton, 







John Remington & ■! 

George Kilborn, 5 ^^^ " ^^ 

James Barker & ") 

William Stickney, 5 ^^^ " ^^^ 

William Scales & 



Richard Wicom, 3 ^^ " ^^ 

This last lot is supposed to join the Heseltine grants, 
before given. The following lots are between the Hes- 
eltlnes' land and Johnson's Creek. 

Rods wide 
at river. 

John Watson, in the right of Thomas Abbot, 50 acres, 11 

Widow Ann Mighill, ... 215 " 72 

Thomas Kimball, number of acres and width not known. 

Widow Ann Hobson, , . .260 " 44 

The last mentioned lot bounded easterly on Johnson's 
Creek. 

In 1670, the land between Newbury line, and Mr. 
Rogers's farm, was laid out, beginning at Newbury line, 
viz. 

To Mr. Philip Nelson, 483 acres, 67 rods wide at the river and wider 
at the Rowley line. 



348 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

To Nicholas Wallinton,* quantity not known. 
« Joseph Bailey, " " 

" Mr. Philip Nelson, . 127 acres, 15 rods wide at river. 

" Thomay Tenney, not known, 

« Widow Faith Law, . 90 *' 14 « " « " 

" Joseph Jewett & Samuel Platts, Jr. 90 " 14 " " " " 
" William Hutchins, . . not known. 

" James Bailey, . . 82 '* 15 «' « « « 

" Joseph Palmer, not known, bounded westerly by a brook. 

" John Tenney, " " " easterly by a brook. 

" Deacon Ezekiel Jewett, 145 acres, 20 rods wide at river. 

From Deacon Jewett's lot, the land for the burial 
ground was given for the use of the town. 

To Samuel Worcester, . 331 acres, 6 rods wide at river. 

" Samuel Stickney, . . not known. 

" Thomas West, . . « u 

*' William Stickney, . . 93 acres, 26 rods wide at river. 

" James Barker, . . not known. 

This lot is supposed to join the land granted to Mr. 
Ezekiel Rogers, described above. 

Notwithstanding much pains has been taken to arrange 
the afore-described river lots according to their original 
location, yet it is hardly to be expected, imperfect as 
the records are, that it has been done with strict accu- 
racy ; there might have been a few more lots than have 
been mentioned. 

Many of the river lots, above Johnson's Creek, ex- 
tended across the town to what was then called the Vil- 
lage (now- Boxford) line, and many of them below, to 
what was then called the line of the Merrimack lands, 
afterward Rowley line. Some, at the lower part of the 
town, were exceedingly long in proportion to their width ; 
for instance, the lot of Philip Nelson, adjoining New- 



* This name was afterwards written " Wallington " and »* Wal- 
lingford." 



MERRIMACK LANDS. 349 

bury line, was eleven hundred rods, or three miles, and 
one hundred and forty rods in length, and, extending 
over hill and dale, must have been inconvenient of ac- 
cess. 

There were then several well known lines, running in 
an east and west direction, across these long lots, at the 
easterly part of the town ; some of them extending to 
one of these lines, and some to another. The line 
nearest the river was called the line above the plough 
land ; the next was called the middle range of marked 
trees ; the next, the upper range of marked trees ; south 
of this, the land was described as lying beyond the up- 
per range of marked trees. Some parts of the record, 
in describing lands at the southeasterly part of the town, 
by Rowley line, make mention of an old grant and new 
grant ; from this and other circumstances, it is believed, 
that an alteration was made in the line, some time be- 
tween 16S0 and 1701. The Rowley records show, 
that the town of Bradford, under date of March 7, 
1680- 1, addressed a letter to the town of Rowley, in 
which they intimate something of the difficulty of their 
remaining a distinct town,* unless they can receive some 
aid from the town of Rowley, by an additional grant of 
meadow land, or in some other way. 

The town of Rowley convened on the 15th of the 
same March, to consider and make reply to said letter ; 
when they say they are sensible of the heavy charges 
and burdens the Bradford people are at, but do not 
see how they can benefit them by an additional grant of 
land ; they, however, sympathize with them in their 
troubles, and appoint a committee to confer with them 

* Bradford was incorporated in 1675. 

30 



350 HISTORY OF ROWLEY.- 

about such things as may be for their advantage, and at 
the same time do order, that the Rev. Mr. Sims have 
liberty to get six or seven loads of hay yearly off of that 
meadow in Rowley, called Rock-pond meadow, till the 
town shall see cause to order otherwise. 

The town of Bradford continued to urge their claim 
for an additional grant till 1701, when they petitioned 
the General Court to interfere in their belialf. 

On the 22d of September, 1701, the town of Rowley 
met to consider the subject, and again on the 10th day 
of October following, when the town of Rowley appoint- 
ed Deacon Ezekiel Jewett, Captain Joseph Boynton, 
and Lieutenant John Dresser, to meet a committee of 
Bradford, at the house of Samuel Hale, on the 14th of 
said October, to agree on a line if they can ; if not, 
then to refer the subject to disinterested men to settle. 
The line was at this time settled (it is believed) as the 
same now exists. The old line of the first grant is sup- 
posed to have run from the great rock by Samuel 
Holmes's house, to Newbury line, passing on the north 
side of Crane Fond. The line of the new grant, or 
present line, runs from said great rock to Newbury line, 
passing on the southerly side of said pond, making an 
addition of about five hundred acres of land to the town 
of Bradford, a considerable portion of which is of the 
meanest quality, lying in the Crane meadows, then 
thought valuable, no doubt, for mowing. Most corpo- 
rations and individuals would now, probably, stand a 
law suit sooner than take it. 

After the river lots were laid out, the town proceeded 
to lay out the remainder of the Merrimack lands, which 
was done by the joint consent of all the proprietors. 
Among the layings out at this time, were ten small lots, 



MERRIMACK LANDS. 351 

containing in all 186 acres, the southerly ends of all 
which were butted and bounded by Little pond, so 
called ; and the northerly end of each, upon the INIinistry 
land, so called. These lots, beginning at the west, were 
laid out to Joseph Chaplin, Abraham Foster, Thomas 
Palmer, John Simmons, Hugh Smith, Jona. Hopkin- 
son, John Eastman, James Dickinson, Dea. Maximilian 
Jewett, and Jonathan Remington. 

The Ministry lot is thus described in the record, viz. 

" At the same time by the ioint consent of all the fore- 
saide persons proprietors then present, there was laide 
out fortie acres of land, ioining to the north end of the 
former parcells of land liinge twentie and eight pole wide 
at the east end, and twentie and six at the west end, 
bounded by John Heseltine on the east, by land formerly 
belonginge to John Griffinge on the west, and by the 
above named Joseph Chaplin and others on the south, 
and by land claimed by Benjamin Kimball on the north, 
and it was granted by the proprietors aforesaide, that the 
foresaide fortie acres, should from time [to time] and at 
all times forever hereafter, be for the use of the ministrie 
in that towne Merrimacke, and that it should never be 
the proper and peculiar right of any person or persons, 
any longer or further than while he or they were the 
orderly ministers of the aforesaide towne of Merri- 
macke." 

The average length of the town is about seven miles, 
and its average breadth about two and a half miles, and 
contains something over ten thousand acres. The soil 
is generally good, and the town is pleasantly situated, 
being bounded on the northerly side by Merrimack river, 
opposite Haverhill. The first setders of this town were 
mostly Rowley men ; and notwithstanding they remained 



352 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

a part of the town of Rowley, for a period of twenty-five 
years or more, from their first settlement, in 1649, to 
their incorporation as a separate town, yet it does not 
appear they were ever taxed with the Rowley people, or 
that the town of Rowley ever passed any vote or order 
relative to their being assessed in any manner whatever. 
It is to be presumed, therefore, that they managed their 
own affairs, in their own way ; their own records show, 
that a meeting was holden among themselves on the 20th 
of February, 166S-9, for the transacting of town affairs ; 
the place was then called Merrimack. At a meeting 
held January 7th, 1672-3, a vote was passed to call the 
town Bradford ; and it was incorporated by that name in 
the year 1675.* 

In 1666, Robert Heseltine served as a juryman one 
day, and the town of Rowley paid him Is. for his ser- 
vices. The same year, they paid him 55. for killing two 
foxes. 

1655. At the September Term, " Y^ Courte being 
informed y* there is no fery over Merrimack river, at 
Haverhill, the Courte orders Robert Heseltine to keepe 
a fery over the said river ; and to have of strangers 4c?. a 
person, if they pay presently ; and 6d. if bookt ; and to 
keep entertaynement for horse and man, for one yeare, 
unless the General Courte take further orders." 

Robert and Ann Heseltine were married 23 day, 10 
mo. 1639, being the first married in Rowley. Their 
children were, 

1. Ann, born 1 day, 2 mo. 1641 ; 2. Mary, b. 8 

* The Act of Incorporation has not been found. In the office of the 
Secretary of the Commonwealth, is a hst of the towns in Essex Coun- 
ty, with the date of their incorporation. Against the town of Brad- 
ford, 1675 is placed. 



MERRIMACK LANDS. 353 

mo. 1642; died in infancy ; 3. Mary, b. 14 d. 12 mo. 
1646 ; 4. Abraham, b. 23 d. 3 mo. 1648 ; married 
Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Langhorn, Oct. 4, 1669; 
was Town Clerk of Bradford from 1686 to 1690, when 
his brother, Capt. David Heseltine, was chosen Clerk, 
and continued to 1703;* 5. Deliverance, b. 21 d. 
1 mo. 1651 ; 6. Elizabeth, b. 15 d. 11 mo. 1652; 
7. Robert, b. 7 d. 9 mo. 1657 ; married Elizabeth, 
dau. of Maximilian Jewett, July 21, 1680 ; 8. Ger- 
shom, b. 31 d. 11 mo. 1661 ; David was born, prob- 
ably, in 1654 or 1655. 

John Heseltine, a brother of said Robert, and one of 
the first settlers of Bradford, was probably married before 
he came to Rowley, in 1639. His wife's name was 
Joan. Their children were, 1. Samuel, b. 20 d. 12 
mo. 1645 ; 2. Mary, b. 9 d. 10 mo. 1648 ; 3. Na- 
thaniel, b. 20 d. 7 mo. 1656 ; perhaps others. 

At the first meeting (on record) of the Merrimack 
people, held Feb. 20, 1668-9, while they were yet a 
part of Rowley, the following votes were passed, viz. 

" 1st. Thomas Kimball was chosen Constable. 

'' 2d. Sergeant John Gage, Robert Heseltine, Jo- 
seph Pike, John Griffing, and John Tenny were chosen 
Selectmen. 

<'3d. Joseph Pike, Clerk of the Writs. 

"4th. Samuel Worster, Benjamin Gage, Benjamin 
Kimball, and David Heseltine were chosen Overseers. 

" 5th. Sergeant John Gage, Joseph Pike, and John 
Griffing, or any two of them, shall lay out all highways 
within our bounds, for the use of the town. 



* Capt. Shubel Walker was the first Town Clerk, and continued 
to 1686. From 1703, Richard Kimball was Town Clerk to his death. 



354 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

" 6th. Voted, That henceforth, and from time to time, 
when a town meeting is warned, and the time set when 
they shall meet, that whosoever shall not appear at the 
time appointed, shall pay 6d. per hour for every hour he 
be deficient of appearing at said meeting. And further, 
that whoever shall take liberty to speak in a town meet- 
ing, without leave obtained of the moderator, shall pay 
60?. for every such offence. 

''7lh. Voted, Thomas Kimball's house, and Benja- 
min Gage's house, shall be legal places for the publishing 
of any orders or other business of public concernment 
to the whole town, by setting up a writing or writings 
at said houses, until we have a more convenient place. 

"8th. Voted, That the Selectmen have full power to 
carry on and finish the minister's house, according to 
Mr. Symms's direction, and to raise the pay by rate, 
upon the estates of said inhabitants. And also to order 
all other of the prudentials of the town the present year." 

After this meeting, the Selectmen above named, pro- 
ceeded to make sundry by-laws, relating to swine, horses, 
&c., as follows, viz. 

" They order, that all swine above half a year old, 
belonging to the inhabitants of Merrimack, shall be sub- 
stantially yoked, the yokes being two feet one way, and 
twenty inches the other, on penalty of is. per hog, for 
every defect, the which to be done by the first of Au- 
gust next, and so to be kept yoked until Indian corn be 
gathered. If any hog lose his yoke, or be found unyoked 
before that time, the owners of them shall forthwith yoke 
them, on penalty of Is., such owner having had notice of 
their being unyoked." 

The Selectmen appointed Peter Nash to see to it, 



MERRIMACK LANDS. 355 

that the above order or by-law was duly observed and 
executed. 

" They further order, that if any horse or mare be 
found in any cornfield, the owner of such horse or mare 
shall pay \s. for the first offence, 2s. for the second, and 
so on, adding I5. to each additional offence, until it 
amounts to 5s. for one offence, and after that, 5s. a time, 
as often as they are taken as aforesaid ; provided the 
fence about such fields where they trespass be sufficient 
against orderly cattle and yoked swine. And if any such 
horse or mare be found in the common without such 
shackle or fetters as may and doth restrain them, the 
owner of them shall pay 5s. to any that shall impound 
them, and so from time to time, so long as the corn is in 
the field." 

After this, the town order, that none shall depart from 
a town meeting legally convened, without liberty first 
granted by the moderator, on penalty of Is. per hour for 
the time they are absent. 

They also order, that no vote shall be binding, that is 
passed after sunset. 

At a town meeting, held March 27, 1669, they style 
themselves, " The inhabitants of Rowley Village by 
Merrimack." 

This year, £ 50 is granted to Mr. Symms, as salary, 
one half to be paid in wheat, pork, butter, and cheese, 
the other half in corn and cattle. (I66S, Mr. Symms 
received £40 as salary.) 

The town also vote, To pay the expense of bringing 
Mr. Symms's goods to town, and to give him forty acres 
of land, at Indian Hill. 

It is ordered. That all fences against general or partic- 
ular fields within the bounds of Merrimack, shall be either 



356 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

a sufficient five railed fence, the rails well placed, at least 
three feet ten inches high ; and all other sorts of fence, 
either hedge, pale, or dilch, shall be equivalent to such 
a five rail fence, so judged by the overseers offences, to 
be made up by the first of April, and so to be kept until 
the last of October. A penalty of I5., and in sonrie cases 
of 2s. per rod, for all deficiencies, is then provided for. 

Jan. 29, 1671-2. The town agreed with Samuel 
Heseltine to sweep the meeting-house one year, for which 
he is to have from every man who hath a right to vote in 
town meetings, one peck of Indian corn, brought to his 
house. 

Jan. 7, 1672-3. The Selectmen were instructed to 
provide a burying place, who procured the ground now 
occupied for the purpose, in the First or West Parish. 



VILLAGE LANDS. 

Village land, laid out by John Pickard and Ezekiel 
Northend, some time in 1666 or 1667. 

To Zacheus Gould, 3,200 acres ; bounded south by 
Ipswich river, w^est by the town line that runneth from 
the river to the eight mile tree, north and east by Fish- 
ing brook and various persons' lands, including the John 
Endlcott farm of 550 acres within the boundaries. 

To the Town of Rowley, 3000 acres. The right to 
this land was sold by Zacheus Gould to Joseph Jewett, 
for the benefit of such as employed him to make the pur- 
chase, for which Jewett paid £ 90. Jewett, by agree- 
ment with the town, received in exchange 960 acres in 
the neck, by Merrimack river, and 40 acres of meadow, 
in three pieces, in the village lands. The 3,000 acres 



VILLAGE LANDS. 357 

were bounded north by the line dividing the village lands 
fronn the Merrimack lands, east by the line which parts 
Rowley lands from village lands, south by the pond called 
Elder's or Baldpate pond, in part, and part by undivided 
lands. 

To Lieut. John Remington, 80 acres ; bounded east 
by Topsfield line, west by Goodman Gould's land. 

To John Lambert, 80 acres ; bounded west by 
Goodman Gould, on other parts by various persons, 
touching upon Fishing brook and Wade's neck, so 
called. 

To Abel Longley, 80 acres ; bounded southeast by 
said Lambert and Gould, southwest by Fishing brook. 
Also 120 acres more, bounded north by Baker's mead- 
ow, on Pye brook, and by various persons. 

To Samuel Brocklebank, 200 acres ; bounded south- 
east by Topsfield line, north by Baker's meadow at Pye 
brook ; on other parts by various persons. 

To Ezekiel Northend, 300 acres, in two parcels ; one 
parcel lying upon the Village plains, so called ; the other 
piece is bounded northwesterly by Elder's pond, &c. 

To Thomas Dickinson, 200 acres, adjoining the way 
to Andover on the north ; the south side is by land be- 
longing to Topsfield men, hereafter named. 

To John Pickard, 400 acres ; bounded north by the 
line between Rowley and the village land, by land of E. 
Northend, and Elder's pond ; west by a highway six 
rods wide, running from the head of Elder's pond to 
Andover way. 

Also 400 acres more, lying easterly of the above 
piece. 

Also 100 acres more, lying easterly of the last piece. 

Also 250 acres more, lying near Johnson's pond, and 



358 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

adjoining the line of Merrimack lands on the north. 
Bounded easterly by the line between the three thousand 
acres belonging to Rowley and the village lands.* 

To Thomas Dickinson, 100 acres ; bounded north 
by the minister's farm ; also bounded by the Great pond, 
and by Sedgy meadow. 

To the Topsfield men, Goodman Dorman, Goodman 
Peabody, and the rest, six in all, 1,200 acres. Bounded 
south by the Fishing brook, west by John Pickard, 
north by Ezekiel Northend and others, east by Abel 
Longley. 

To Thomas Leaver, 67 acres ; bounded north by 
Johnson's pond, east by John Pickard. 

To John Sandys, in right of his father, Henry San- 
dys, 200 acres ; bounded north by the line of Merri- 
mack and a pond, east by undivided land. 

To Wm. Stickney, Wm. Tenney, Thos. Palmer, 
John Burbank, Peter Cooper, Wm. Scales, to all these 
67 acres each, or 402 acres. 

To Richard Langhorn, 100 acres. These seven have 
their land together. It lyeth on both sides the highway 

* This laying out of village lands, was on account of house lots, as 
at first laid out in Rowley. John Pickard drew his 1150 acres on ac- 
count of the following, viz. 
For the right of Richard Swan's 2 acre house lot, 200 acres. 

« Thomas Lilforth 1^ " 

" Thomas Miller 1 " 

« John Palmer 1^ »' 

« John Jarratt 2 " 

" John Pickard's own 1^ '* 

"• Isaac Cousin IJ " 

" Constance Crosby 2 *' 

« Two half rights of 2 " 

1,135 acres. 



67 




67 




67 




200 




67 




67 




200 


« 


200 


« 



VILLAGE LANDS. 359 

that goetli from Ipswich to Andover ; that on the north 
of the highway, runneth from the highway at the head of 
Elder's pond, taking in the httle pond and meadow 
around it, to land laid out to Mrs. Rogers, in right of her 
first husband, Thomas Barker. The part on the south 
side the Andover road is bounded east by Thomas Dick- 
inson, by a line running near the five-mile pond ; south 
by a line running near the north side of Humphrey's 
pond ; west by land of Thomas Dorman, John Cum- 
mins, and Robert Stiles ; north by said Andover road. 

To Thomas Dorman, John Cummins, and Robert 
Stiles, 400 acres ; bounded east by land of William 
Stickney and others ; west by Andover line ; north by 
a highway which separates it from Mrs. Rogers's land, 
in part, and part by other people's land ; south with a 
line running straight from Andover line to a clump of 
trees on the north side of Humphrey's pond. These 
boundaries include a piece of meadow, called Frye's 
meadow, before laid out to Mr. [Philip] Nelson. 

To Francis Peabody, Joseph Bixbie, Abraham Red- 
dington, and William Foster, 800 acres ; bounded 
north by land of Dorman, Cummins, and Stiles ; west 
by Andover line ; south by Wade's brook, &c. ; east 
by various lots of land. 

To Mrs. Mary Rogers, as the right of her former 
husband, Thomas Barker, 1,000 acres ; bounded east 
by the line of the three thousand acres, so called, of the 
town's land, and land of William Stickney and others ; 
north by meadow laid out to the Heseltines and to Had- 
ley :* west by John Johnson and others ; south by the 
highway leading from Topsfield to Andover. 

* This meadow lies in front of the house of the present Daniel Poor, 

of Georgetown. 



360 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

To John Johnson, 67 acres ; bounded east by Mrs. 
Rogers, north by the Hesekine meadow. 

To Charles Brown, 67 acres ; bounded east by 
Johnson, north by Hesehine's nrieadow. 

To Richard Wicom, 67 acres ; bounded east by 
Brown, north by Hesehine's meadow, west by Andover 
line. 

To John SpafFord, 67 acres ; bounded southeast by 
Wicom, west by Andover hne. 

To Richard Swan, in right of Michael Hopkinson, 67 
acres ; bounded by Andover line. 

To Joseph Chaplin, in right of his father, Hugh 
Chaplin, 67 acres ; bounded southeast by Hopkinson, 
west by Andover line. 

To John Dresser, Sen., 67 acres ; bounded south- 
east by Chaplin, west by Andover line. 

To Mr. [Philip] Nelson, 2000 acres ; bounded by 
Andover line on the southwest ; the line of the Merri- 
mack land on the northwest, extending the last line to a 
marked tree at the southwest part of the Little pond, so 
called ; northwest, part by John Sandys' land ; south 
by John Dresser's land. This includes some meadow 
laid out to Joseph Jewett, with his land at the neck. 

To John Trumble, 70 acres, adjoining Johnson's 
pond. 

1667. May 20. The town of Rowley ordered. That 
the people of the village may pay one half their minister 
rate to Topsfield, where they ordinarily hear, and the 
other half to the minister in town, till they have a minis- 
ter of their own. 

1669. July 2. The town ordered. That the inhab- 
itants of the village shall pay to all taxes as the people in 



VILLAGE LANDS. 3(5l 

town do. And the money paid by them shall be applied, 
first, to defraying the necessary charges of said village, 
and the residue to the improvement of the minister's 
farm, so called, in said village. The income of said farm 
shall belong to an orthodox minister, when settled in the 
village ; till that time, it shall belong to the minister in 
town. 

1671. Nov. 24. The town appointed a committee 
of five to treat with a committee of Topsfield, about the 
villagers joining with them for a certain time for the 
maintenance of the ministry. 

1671-2. Feb. 13. The town ordered, That the 
inhabitants of the village have liberty to retain three 
fourths of their minister rate. 

The early settlers of the village usually attended pub- 
lic worship at Topsfield, and there paid more or less of 
their minister rate, by consent of the town of Rowley, 
to the time of their incorporation, in 1685. Some dif- 
ficulties growing up among themselves, (from what cause 
is not known,) led Abraham Reddington and some others 
to petition the General Court to interpose an entire sepa- 
ration between the villagers and the people of Topsfield ; 
which petition was the occasion of the following petition 
from Robert Smith and others to the General Court, viz. 

" To the Honorable General Court now sitting in 
Boston, this 7th of May, 1673. The Humble petition 
of divers well affected Inhabitants and House-holders of 
the Village commonly called Rowley Village. 

" Humbly sheweth. That whereas yo"^ petitioners 

formerly purchased a tract of land of Joseph Jewett of 

Rowley, now deceased, on which we now dwell, wh. 

land was sold to us as village land, free from any engage- 

31 



362 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

ment to the town of Rowley, ellse we had not purchased 
it ; as also it lyeing nigh to the now town of Topsfield, 
whose inhabitants about ten or twelve years since, calld 
Mr. Gilbert to be their minister ; he was unwilling to 
accept, unless we of the village would engage to pay our 
shares in and to pnbliqe charges at Topsfield. Upon 
this, Abraham Reddington, Joseph Biggsby, John Cum- 
ins, and the rest of us, being free as we apprehended, 
agreed to pay our proportions as our honest neighbours of 
Topsfield did, only provided they would remove or sett 
the meetinghouse so as it might stand convenient for us ; 
upon this a committy being appointed out of them and 
ourselves, agreed unanimously to set the meetinghouse 
toward the outside of Topsfield bounds to us ward, wh. 
was don, and now stands to our great conveniency, being 
allmost as near to us as to divers of Topsfield, viz. two 
or three miles, and our distance from Rowley is 7 or 8, 
if not nine miles, some of us. Farther, as to military 
matters, we were not regarded by Rowley for many 
years, but that service totally neglected, wh the Major of 
the Regem^ understanding, sent his warrant to us to 
traine in Topsfield ; we obeyed, and that company and 
ourselves agreeing, some of us were chosen into office, 
mutually by both places, and were all as one town and 
company very loveingly agreeing. While such time as 
some of us, meditating other designs than we think were 
pretended thereby, as we conceive, broke the neck of 
Love and unity wth our neighbours of Topsfield. Abra- 
ham Reddington did put in some hands, we doe not say 
of boyes, and divers other persons, inconsiderable, to 
move this Honorble Court, to free us from Topsfield, 
and lay us to Rowley, to our great incumbrance and in- 
convenience every way, both as to matters civile, eccle- 



VILLAGE LANDS. 363 

siastlcall, and military ; our condition is hereby rendered 
extremely burdensome, divers of our people are already 
joined to the church at Topsfield, and more may soon be 
if God please to move y^ hearts, it being the only nigh 
place where we can hear and enjoy the solemn and pub- 
liqe worship on the Lord's dayes ; what division this 
may in time produce, especially since the late law im- 
powering none but persons in full communion to elect or 
have voice in electing church officers, &c., we cannot 
but, as our case stands, be afraide of. There being by 
this means a foundation layd for not only unpleasant vari- 
ance, but future alienation with our Loveing brethren of 
that church. 

" This is our distracted and wronged case and condi- 
tion by reason of our breaking wth Topsfield, wh. we doe 
tender to your Honorble selfes, for redress and cure, 
Humbly beseeching your Honors herein, that our poor 
village, being but sixteen familyes, incapable of calling 
a minister or maintaining one, and so far from other 
towns, and so nigh to Topsfield, may be layd thither 
and united to that towne, which will be for the great 
behoofe of them and us both, in respect to township 
and militia, as well as church, and minister's encourage- 
ment, all of us being hardly able to maintayne one able 
minister honorably, wee beg wee may be declared a free 
village from Rowley, as our deeds of our lands, and 
lines, and bounds, demonstrate. These privileges, grant- 
ed by your worships, will, we trust, tend to the honor 
of God, peace and comfort of our neighbours, and bene- 
fit of ourselves, your poor petitioners. We leave our- 
selves herein to the mature consideration of this Court ; 
praying the only wise God to direct, council, and guide 



3^64 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

you in all things. Soe we remain your humble petition- 
ers. 

'' Robard Smith, 
Robard Stiles, 
Thomas Andrews, 
Edmon Briggss, 
John Ramdell." 

The Magistrates agree to an order of notice. The 
Deputies did not consent. What further order was 
taken we are not informed. 

Accompanying the foregoing petition are the depo- 
sitions of Ensign Thomas Howlet, and John Cumins, 
who testify and say, that when Joseph Jewett sold the 
land, he did, with divers others, declare, that Rowley 
village was a distinct thing from Rowley town. 

The records of the town of Rowley show, however, 
that the town did constantly exercise authority over the 
village, appointing officers there from time to time. 

In 1675, the town of Rowley appointed William Fos- 
ter, Joseph Peabody, and John Kimball, collectors of 
taxes. 

1677. Abraham Reddington and John Peabody were 
collectors. 

This same year the town appointed various persons to 
see that the Sabbath was well kept, agreeably to the 
provisions of a law of the General Court, passed May 
23, 1677, viz. John Peabody and William Foster, for 
the village. 

1680. The town appointed eleven men for the above 
purpose, nine for the town, and two for the village, as- 
signing to each a certain number of families for inspec- 
tion. Joseph Bigsbee and William Foster were appoint- 
ed for the village. 



VILLAGE LANDS. 355 

Bigsbee was to inspect the families of Goodman 
Black, Moses Tiler, Old Goodman Tiler, Robert 
Ames, Goodman Perry, John Kimball, John Peabody, 
Goodman Stiles, Goodman Bossell, Goodman Reding- 
ton, and Daniel Wood. 

Foster, to inspect the fam.ilies of Joseph Peabody, 
Josiah Bridges, Daniel Black, John Vinton, Samuel 
Simons, Widow Andrews, Thomas Andrews, Robert 
Smith, Zacheus Curtvout, Sen., Zacheus Curtvout, Jr., 
John Ramsdell, and After Carry. 

By the petition of Robert Smith and others, it ap- 
pears, that the whole number of families, in May, 1673, 
was sixteen, making an increase of nine in the last seven 
years. 

1680. John Peabody was appointed constable for 
the village. 

The following petition led the way for the village be^ 
coming a town. (It is a literal transcript from the 
original.) 

'' To the honoured General Court, held at Boston 
the 27 : 3 mo. 1685. The humble petesion of the in- 
habitants of Rowley village to the honoured General 
Court, wee being sensaball of the great need of having 
the publick word of God preached amongst us, which 
wee cannot have in the condesion that wee bee in at 
present, wee lying so far remote from Rowley that wee 
cannot comfortably atend God's public worship for the 
greatest part of the year, it is therefore the general de- 
sire of the inhabitants of Rowley vilage to bee a pre- 
paring to settle a minnester amongst ourselves as soon as 
convenantly wee can, thearfore wee desiar, that the hon- 
oured General Court would bee pleased to grant us town- 
ship prevelig, that so wee might the more comfortably 
31 * 



366 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

cary on so needfull a workj for the betor edication of 
our children that cannot gooe fouer mieles to meting : 
severall of our towne of Rowley have incoureged us to 
gooe about this work several years agoen, teling of us 
that the vilag was laied out for that eand, and it doth 
contaien a bought eaighteen thousand acores of land, 
which wee think will comfortabully setuate one hundred 
families ; this vileg or tract of land was obtained of the 
General Court by Rowley men to bee an adesion to 
thear concern, which suen after they had mead it suer 
to them saelves, they laied it ought to thear own towns- 
men, every man according to his hoaes lote, (saving a 
few mistakes), and also laied ought a ministous farem in 
it, for a ministor to live on as suen as the vileg should 
be capaball to maintaien a minnistor, and now wee bee in- 
creased to the nuember of a bought forty famelies and 
more, may bee a preparing satelment, ouer desiour is fierst 
to maek the minnister's farem to be fet and sutabull to 
entartain a minnister in, and then to call a minister if 
wee can find on willing to come, and teall then we shall 
bee willing to contrebut to those plases that wee doe hear 
the word of God preached at, as formerly we have doaen, 
severall of ouer ouen towen of Rowley have incoreged 
us to call a minnester first, but wee havinge no power 
amongst our salves eather to call a meeting, or to agree 
how much to give a minnester, or to compel any persun 
to doe his dewty if he will not doe it of himself, there- 
fore we dooe humbaly desiar the honored Genaral Court 
woueld bee pleased to grant us ouer petesion herin. 
" Abraham Reddington, Sen. 

Joseph Bixbee, Sen. 

Samuel Buswel, Sen. 

William Foster, 

John Peabody. 



VILLAGE LANDS. 3(57 

'' These in the name and with the consent of the 
reast of the vileg." 

" Granted by the Court, Provided it may be with the 
consent of the selectmen of Rowley, June 5, 1685." 

'' May 28, 1685. The Court order the militia of 
Rowley village to be exercised by such officer as the 
Major General shall appoint." 

'' We, whose names are underwritten, having been 
chosen by the town of Rowley, on the one part, and by 
the village of Rowley, on the other part, to agree about 
a parting line betwixt the town of Rowley and the vil- 
lage, being met together, the 7th day of July, 1685, 
do agree as followeth ; that the middle bound should be 
where the foot path issueth out of the cart path, not far 
off the bridge going over the great meadow ; and from 
the said middle bound to a forked tall oak near the 
meadow, formerly laid out to Elder Rainer, being a 
bound of that part of said meadow that fell to Captain 
Whipple on a division, and is also a corner bound of a 
parcel of land laid out to Ezekiel Northend, (being by 
estimation about forty acres,) and so going on the same 
line straight to Ipswich line ; and from the above said 
tree, of a straight line, to the southwest corner of the 
three thousand acres (so called), which is a white oak 
marked with R. T., and so from the said tree, north- 
ward, on a line betwixt the three thousand acres and 
land laid out to Mistress Rogers and John Pickard, till 
you come to a white oak, marked with S. K. T., being 
the corner bound of John Pickard's land, standing in 
the line betwixt Bradford and the village. We further 
agree, that the inhabitants of the village shall be free from 
all rates, for time to come, to the town of Rowley, ex- 



368 ' HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

cepting twenty shillings in silver, to be paid by Joseph 
Bixbee, Sen., John Peabody, William Foster, Samuel 
Symonds, and Moses Tyler, yearly, to any of the com- 
mittee, while [or until] they have an orthodox minister 
settled in the village. 

" And, further, it is agreed, that all the common land, 
lying within the village undivided, shall remain [or con- 
tinue] to belong to the town of Rowley, excepting the 
farm called the minister's farm within the village. And 
any thing that is done to the contrary for land lying in 
the village, is to be paid by the inhabitants of the village. 
In confirmation of what is above written, both parties 
have set to their hands. 

" Committee of Village. Committee of Rowley. 

Joseph Bixbee, Samuel Platts, Sen. 

John Peabody, Ezekiel Northend, 

Samuel Symonds, Daniel Wicom, 

Richard Ames, John Trumble, 

Moses Tyler, Stephen Mighill, 

William Foster. Ezekiel Jewett, 

John Hopkinson, 
John Leighton." 
The line, described in the foregoing agreement, be- 
came the true dividing line between the towns of Row- 
ley and Boxford, and has remained such to the present 
time, with the exception of a trifling alteration, made by 
an act of the General Court in 1808, by which that part 
of Samuel SpofFord's house that stood in Rowley, to- 
gether with a small piece of land under and about the 
house, was set from Rowley to Boxford, and excepting 
also a few small zigzags, made in setting intermediate 
bounds on the long lines mentioned in the agreement. 
The first bound, mentioned in said agreement, and de- 



VILLAGE LANDS, 369 

scribed as a " forked tall oak," (the stump of which is 
now visible,) stood westerly of the road leading from 
Georgetown to Salem, by which stump a large split 
stone monument has been erected, marked with the let- 
ters R. B. 

Until Boxford was incorporated, Salem and Rowley 
were adjoining towns ; and Boxford continued to bound 
on Salem, till the incorporation of Middleton, in 1728. 
The selectmen of Salem, as well as the selectmen of 
Topsfield, refused to settle the line with the people of 
Boxford, unless Boxford could show, that they were au- 
thorized by the town of Rowley so to do. 

In 1699, the town of Boxford instruct their select- 
men to apply to the town of Rowley for authority to 
settle their town lines ; when their selectmen address 
the following letter to the town of Rowley, viz. 

" To our loving Neighbours of Rowley, and, in some 
sense, our Fathers, 

" Gentlemen, — We give you many thanks for all the 
former kindnesses w'e have received from yourselves ; 
yet, notwithstanding, we would entreat you to add one 
more to all that we have received from you already, and 
that is, to grant our town the same power and privilege 
to settle our bounds with all the towns that do adjoin 
upon us, on every side, as you yourselves had, when we 
were both of us one town. We have had many meet- 
ings with Topsfield and Salem men, and they refuse to 
settle bounds with us, unless we can show a grant, either 
from the General Court, or from the town of Rowley, 
that we have power to transact in such settlements, as 
other towns have. 

" So we remain your loving friends, to serve in what 



370 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

we may, hoping you will be pleased to grant us our de- 
sire herein. 

" John Peabody, ] 

Thomas PerleyjSelecmien 

John Andrews, f 

T 1 r^ j Boxford, 

John J^ames, J 

" Dated this 2lst day of April, 1699." 

Rowley's Reply. 
" We, whose names are under written, being appoint- 
ed by the town of Rowley, May 11, 1699, to empower 
the town of Boxford to settle bounds with the towns of 
Salem, Topsfield, Andover, and Bradford, or any other 
that the township of Rowley (formerly granted to Box- 
ford) was bordering upon : — We do fully and absolutely 
grant and give to the said town of Boxford, as full power 
to settle any bounds, or run any line or lines, with any 
town or towns, farm or farms, that was formerly adjoining 
to the bounds of the town of Rowley, before that Boxford 
had the grant of a township ; and what power we for- 
merly had. or still have ; we resign up our whole power 
to Boxford town ; to transact in any such business as 
if we ourselves were actually possessed of said township 
of Boxford, as formerly we were. Always reserving to 
ourselves the common land that lieth in the village undi- 
vided, as may appear by an agreement, bearing date the 
7th of July, 1685 ; and the payment of the twenty shil- 
lings per annum in silver, (expressed in said agreement,) 
by Joseph Bixbee, Sen. John Peabody, William Fos- 
ter, Samuel Symonds, and Moses Tyler, to be paid by 
them to the town of Rowley, or their orders, while [or 
until] Boxford have an orthodox minister settled among 



INDIAN PURCHASE. 371 

them, with the three pounds that will be due the 7th of 
July next, and already ordered Captain Wicom.* 
" Signed by Daniel Wicom, ■\ 

Joseph Boynton, > Committee. 
Samuel Platts, ) 
'' Dated May 12, 1699. 

" Confirmed by the town of Rowley at a meeting, 
held May 16, 1699." 



INDIAN PURCHASE. 

December 25, 1700. The town of Rowley appointed 
Deacon Ezekiel Jewett, Samuel Platts, and Capt. Joseph 
Boynton, a committee to treat with the attorneys of those In- 
dians which make demand of our lands, who do affirm, that 
they are the proper heirs of Mosquenomenet, Sagamore of 
Agawam, and to make inquiry about our title, laboring to 
clear it up to the satisfaction of said attorneys, or make the 
best agreement with them they can. 

This committee agreed with said attorneys, to pay Indian 
Samuel English, Joseph English, and John Umpee, the sum 
of c£9 for a title to the township of Rowley, which sum was 
paid, and a deed taken, but cannot be found. 

January 17, 1700-1. The town made a grant of £9 
for remunerating said committee, for a like sum paid said 
Indians. 

The aforenamed Indians were grandsons of said Saga- 
more of Agawam; their grandfather claimed to be the na- 
tive proprietor of all the land lying between the Merrimack 
and Naumkeag or Bass rivers. John Winthrop, Jr., one of 
the first settlers of Ipswich, for the sum of =£20 paid said 



* This three pound was for the 205. per annum, three years in ar- 
rears. 



^f^ HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Sagamore, had his deed, bearing date in 1638, conveying 
all the lands then within the town of Ipswich, which was 
intended, no doubt, to include a considerable part of Row- 
ley. The deed is now recorded in the Topsfield town 
records. The following is a copy. 

" I Masconnomet, Sagamore of Agawam, do by these 
presents acknowledge to have received of Mr. John Win- 
throp, the sum of <£20 in full satisfaction of all the right, 
property, and claim I have, or ought to have, unto all the 
land lying and being in the Bay of Agawam. alias Ipswich, 
being so called now by the English, as well as such land as 
I formerly reserved unto my own use at Chebacco, as also all 
other land belonging to me in these parts, Mr. Dummer's 
farm excepted only ; and I hereby relinquish all the right 
and interest I have unto all the havens, rivers, creeks, islands, 
huntings, and fishings, with all the woods, swamps, timber, 
and whatever else is, or may be, in or upon the said ground 
to me belonging ; and I do hereby acknowledge to have re- 
ceived full satisfaction from the said John Winthrop for all 
former agreements, touching the premises and parts of 
them; and I do hereby bind myself, to make good the afore- 
said bargain and sale unto the said John Winthrop, his heirs 
and assigns forever, and to secure him against the title and 
claim of all other Indians and natives whatsoever. 

" Witness my hand, 

'' Witness hereunto, '' Masconnomet. 

John Joyliffe, ^'^ 2 "'^'^•" 

James Downing, 
Thomas Caytimore, 
Robert Harding. 

28^/« of June, 1638." 

The colony records show, that Ipswich was required to 
pay John Winthrop, Jr. the £ 20 he paid the Sagamore for 
his right to their lands. 



INDIAN PURCHASE. 373 

It is not known that Ipswich took a deed from said Win- 
throp. But their records show, that in 1705, a committee 
was appointed to treat with the Hon. Wait Winthrop, about 
the said deed made to his father, deceased, Governor of 
Connecticut. (Felt). 

In the absence of the Indian deed of Rowley, it is thought 
best to publish those of Bradford and Boxford, which follow. 

" Indians to y® Town of Bradford. 

''RecJ on record Aprill 13, 1702. 
"To all people unto whom these presents shall come, 
Samuel English, Joseph English, and John Vmpee, Indians, 
Grand Children and y« next true rightfull and lawfull heirs 
of Musquonomonit, al^ Muschonomet, Indian, dec'', who was 
chief Sagamore, and native proprietors of y^ whole tract of 
land Extending from y'^ southerly side of y® River Merimack 
unto Naumkeeg al^ Bass River, lying in y° county of Essex, 
within y^ province of y*^ Massachusetts bay in New Engld. 
Send greeting, Whereas, divers Englishmen many years 
since, in y'-' life time of y® said Musquonomitt, al^ Muschono- 
mett, and by and with his knowledge, licence and good 
liking, did enter upon, Subdue, Improve, Build and settle 
an English Plantation, containing about Eight Thousand 
acres of land more or less, now called and known by y« name 
of Bradford, within and upon part of y^ afores*^ tract of land 
in y® County of Essex afores*', which said Plantation or 
Township of Bradford and y^ lands thereof are butted and 
Bounded Northerly upon y^ said River Merrimack, Easterly 
upon the Line of the Township of Newbury untill it come 
to y^- Run of water in a certain swamp commonly called 
Beaver Swamp, and then Running on a straight line to a 
certain Rock conionly called Hardy's Rock, and From 
thence to a white oak markt on Three sides, standing near 
into John Pickard's ffarme so called, and from thence Run- 
ning near said John Pickard's house, and so over Johnson's 
32 



374 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Pond so called to an oak tree standing at y^ south easterly 
corner of y® Pond called Little Pond, and from thence to a 
run of water on y® north side of a certain hill comonly called 
and known by y® name of Philistine hill, and following 
y^ Run of water till it come to y^ line of The Town of An- 
dover, and so upon Andover Line till it come to y° River 
Merrimack, as also a certain Island caF and known by 
ye name of Gage's Island, containing about six acres of 
land, more or less, lying in Merrimack River afores'' ; now 
Know yee, y* we, y° said Samuel English, Joseph English, 
and John Umpee, ye true righlfull and lawfull heirs of 
ye above named Sagamore Musquonomonit, al^ Muschonno- 
met, as well upon y^ Consideracon afores'^ as for divers other 
good causes and consideracons us there unto moving, more 
especially for and in consideration of y^ Sum of Six pounds 
and ten shillings, in currant Silver mony of New Engl"^, to us 
in hand at and before y^ ensealing and delivery of these 
presents, well and truly Paid by John Tenny, Phillip Atwood, 
aud John Boynton, all of Bradford afore»'^, yeomen, appoint- 
ed a Committee by y^ Rest of y^ Freeholders and proprietors 
of y^ lands within and belonging to y^ said township, y'' re- 
ceipt of which sum of six pounds ten shillings in mony we 
do hereby acknowledge, and ourselves to be therew*'* well 
satisfied, contented, and fully paid, have given, granted, 
aliened, Released, Enfeofed, Ratified, and Confirmed, and 
for Ever Quitt claimed, and for us and every of us, each and 
every of our heirs, Do by these presents freely and absolute- 
ly give, grant, aliene. Release, Enfeofe, Ratify, Confirm, 
and for Ever quitt claim unto y« s'' John Tenny, Phillip Att- 
wood, and John Bointon, and y® Rest of y^ ffreeholders and 
proprietors of lands within y^ said Township of Bradford, 
their heirs and assignes forever, all y® before mentioned 
Tract of land, Plantation or township called Bradford, con- 
taining Eight Thousand acres of land, more or less, and 
described and butted and bounded as as above Expressed, 



INDIAN PURCHASE. 375 

or howsoever otherwise y^ same is Butted, bounded, or Re- 
puted to be bounded, and also all y* L^land afores*^, Com- 
monly called Gage's Island, together with all houses. Edi- 
fices, Buildings, trees, timber, woods, underwoods, feilds, 
feedings, pastures, marshes, meadows, swamps, ponds, pools. 
Runs, Rivoletts, Stones, herbage. Rights, members, heredi- 
taments, profitts, priveledges, Comodities, Emolum*^, and 
appurt'^^^ whatsoever, upon y« afores'^ tract of land and 
Island, or any part thereof, or to y® same or any part or per- 
cell thereof belonging or in any wise appertaining, and also 
all y® Estate, right, title, Interest, Inheritance, use, property, 
possession. Claim, and demand whatsoever of us y® said 
Samuel English, Joseph English, John Vrnpee, and every of 
us, our and every of our heirs, of, in, to, and out of y® same, 
^yth ye reversion and reversions. Remainder and Remainders 
thereof, and also all and Every sum and sums of mony or 
pjjymts vv'soever, to be asked. Challenged, or in any wise de- 
manded therefore : Excepting only a certain percell of Land 
of about three hundred acres, comonly called Mrs. Phillips 
his ffarme. Extending from y® afores^^ River Merrimack up 
to Rowley Road, and all y^ meadows Belonging to said 
ffarme Lyincr within y^ s^ Town of Bradford, according as 
said farm is Bounded : 

'' ^0 ?£?abC antr to plOltr all the Before mentioned, 
to be granted and Released, Lands and premises, in y® ac- 
tuall possession of y® said John Tenny, Phillip Attwood, and 
John Bointon, and other y^ free holders and proprietors of 
y® said Town of Bradford, being (Except only as before is 
Excepted) with all y® rights, members, profitts. Heredita- 
ments, & &D appurtenances thereunto belonging, unto ye said 
John Tenny, Phillip Atwood, and John Bointon, and 
y« Rest of y® ffreeholders and proprietors of y® said town of 
Bradford, their heirs and assigns for Ever, To their only 
proper use. Benefit!, and behoofe respectively for Evermore, 
ffreely, peaceably, and Quietly to possess, use, occupy, and 
enjoy y^ same as a good, perfect, and absolute Estate of In- 



376 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

heritance, In fee, without the least lett, deniall, molestation, 
suit, Trouble, Eviction, Ejection, Claim, or demand of us 
ye said Samuel English, Joseph English, and John Vmpee, 
or any or Either of us, or any or either of our heirs, or of 
any other person or persons, from, by, or under us, any or 
either of us, and we do hereby for ourselves and our heirs, 
Covenant, grant, and agree, to and with the said John Ten- 
ny, Phillip Attwood, and John Bointon, their heirs, Exe'^ 
and adni"^^, on behalf of themselves and y^ Rest of y^ free- 
holders and proprietors of y^ town of Bradford afores^^, their 
heirs and assigns, to warrant and defend all y*^ said Granted 
and Released premises, and every part and parcell thereof 
unto y^ said John Tenney, Phillip Atwood, John Bointon, 
and ye Rest of freeholders and pprietors of y® s^ town of 
Bradford, their heirs and assignes for Ever, against ourselves, 
our heirs, and every of them, and all and all and every other 
person or persons having, claiming, or pretending To Have 
or Claim, any Estate, Right, title, or Interest in or to y® 
same, from, by, or under us, any or either of us, or from, 
by, or under y^ s'^ Musquonomonitt, al^ Moschonnom.et, or 
any other Sagamore or Indian whatsoever. 

" In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and 
seals y° Thirtieth day of January, anno Domini One thou- 
sand seven hundred, Annoq RR^ Gulielmi Tertii, Angliae 
&c. Decimo. 



yo 



" Signed, Seal^ and DD in pres-"^ 

ence of us, I gamll S English, & seale. 

By Samuel English, on March niark of 

21,1700-1. I 

Samuel Hasen, for Sam. 
Robert Clement^ for Joseph, 3J ; Joseph -4^ English, & seale. 



5, 1701. 
Moses Parker, for Sam. 
John Griffin, for Joseph, 31 5, 

1701. 



J 



ye mark 
John ■'"'^ 
of 



Joseph ffoster, ) 22 Octobr, 1701.^ 



INDIAN PURCHASE. 377 

"Haverhill, March 21, 1700yy°{yy. Samuel English, In- 
dian, one of y"^ w^'^in named subscribers, being present, 
signed, owned and acknowledged y« w^'Mn written to be his 
act and deed. Before me, 

" Nath" Saltonstall, Jus* of Peace." 

" Haverhill, July 31: 1701. ¥« w^''in named Joseph En- 
glish appeared, and signed, sealed, and owned and acknowl- 
edged y<^ Instrum^ on y^ other side, to be his act and deed. 

Before me, 

" Nathaniel Saltonstall, Justice of Peace." 

** Andover, Octol)*" 22*^, 1701. John Vmpce, one of 
ye \v^''in named Subscribers, being present, owned and ac- 
knowledged y^ w^'iin written Instrum^ to be his act and Deed. 
Before me, " Dudley Bradstreet, J. Peace." 

"Rec'^ on y® Thirtieth day of January, 17*\^, of the with- 
in named John Tcnny, Phillip Atwood, and John Boynton, 
yo sum of six pounds Ten shillings in Currant Sdver mony 
of New England, in full payment of y® purchase Considera- 
tion within mentioned. By ns, 

ye mark 
"Joseph -£)— English, on 31 5, 1701. 

of 

"John y"-^ Vmpee." 
his mark. 

" Att a Legall meeting of y« proprietors of Bradford, in 
y*^ 23 of November, 1700. Ensign John Tenney was first 
chosen moderator : he appointed 3 men to treat w^'^ y® En- 
glishmen and Indians if they come, concerning y« title of 
our land. Y° 3 men were put to voat singly, namely Insign 
Baly, Corporall Richard Kimball, and John Bointon, and 
they all passed on y® afirmatives. Afterwards, at y® same 
meeting added to y*^ former Three, Insign Tenny and Phillip 
32* 



378 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Atwood, y« Proprietors gave them full power to act in be- 
half of yo town, according to their best Judgm*, or any 
thereof of them. On the same day, y« 23^ of Novemb"^, 1700, 
their was a discourse how y^ charges should be defrayed 
y* might arise as to purchasing of y^ heathen, if need were, 
and also y® charges as to y^ committee for their expenses of 
his, was put to voat, if y^ charges should not be laid on ev- 
ery man's land according to his proportion of land as Wil- 
derness land, and it passed on y^ affirmative, y* so y^ Charges 
should arise. 

" The Town Clerk being absent, y^ Proprietors then chose 
me to write w* they did act. 

" Exam'J pr Step. Sewall, Record^." 

Essex, ss. Registry of Deeds, Sept. 10, A. D. 1S40. 

The foregoing is a true copy of record, Book 15, Leaf 
136, &c. Att. R. H. French, Register, 

by David Pulsifer, 3d. 

*' Sam'' English, Jos. English, John Vmpee, Indians, to 

ye TOWN of BoXFORD. 

" Rec^i on record, Feb^ 24 : 170|. 
" To all People unto whom these Presents shall come, Sam- 
uel English, Joseph English, & John Vmpee, Indians, 
Grand Children & the next true, rightfull, and Lawfull heirs 
of Musquonomet, alias Muschonomet, Indian Chief, Saga- 
more, and native Proprietor of that wiiole Tract of Land 
Extending from the Southerly Side of the River Merrimack 
unto Naumkeeg, otherwise called Bass river, lying in the 
County of Essex, within his Maj^'*^^ Province of the Massa- 
chusetts Bay, in New England, Send Greeting : Whereas, 
Divers Englishmen, many years Since, in the Lifetime of 
the Said Musqunomet, al^ Muschonomet, with his Knowl- 
edge, Lycence, and good Liking, did Enter into, Subdue, 
Improve, Build, and Settle an English Plantation, Contain- 



INDIAN PURCHASE. 379 

ing about Twelve Thousand acres of Land, more or less, 
now Called and Known by the Name of the Town of Box- 
ford, within the afores^ Tract of Land, in the said County 
of Essex, which said Plantation or Township, and the 
Lands thereto Belonging, are Butted and Bounded, North- 
erly by a marked Pine Tree on the Southerly Side of Mer- 
rimack River afores*^, which is the Corner Bounds, and then 
the Line Runs by Marked Trees that are between Andover 
and Boxford, and Southerly according as the Trees are 
marked betwixt said Andover and Boxibrd, as it hath been 
perambulated, till it Come to the Eight Mile Tree, so called, 
which is a Bound mark betwixt said Andover and Boxford, and 
Southerly to a White oak, which is the Bounds betwixt Wills 
Hill men and said Boxford, and then Southerly to a Wild Pear 
Tree, or Box Tree, standing by Ipswich River side, and then 
Easterly as the River Runs, till it meet with Ipswich Line, 
which said Line doth extend Six miles from said Ipswich 
meeting house, and then upon a Straight Line till it Come 
to an apple tree that is in Lieu*^ Pearly's field, marked, and 
then it runs with Ipswich Line, until it meets with Rowley 
Line near Caleb Jackson's, and so till it come to a white 
oak in Bradford Line, as it is selled betwixt Boxford and 
Rowley, and then westerly till it meet with the Pine Tree 
first mentioned, parting Betwixt Boxford and Andover. 
Now, Know yee, that we, the said Samuel English, Joseph 
English, and John Vmpee, the true, Rightfull, and Lawfull 
heirs of the said Musquonomonet, al^ JMuschonnomet, as 
afores*^, as well upon the consideracon afore'', as for divers 
other good Causes and Consideracons us thereunto moving, 
more especially for, and in Consideracon of the sum of nine 
pounds. Current Silver money of New England, to us in 
hand, at and before the Ensealing and delivery of these 
presents, well and truly paid by John Pearly, Thomas Pear- 
ly, Thomas Hazen, John Peabody, and Josiah Bridges, all 
of Boxford, afores'^, Yeomen, a Committee and agents for 



380 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

the said Town of Boxford, The Receipt whereof we do 
hereby acknowledge, and ourselves to be therewith well Sat- 
isfied, Contented, and fully paid. Have Granted, aliened, 
Enfeoffed, Released, Ratifyed, Confirmed, and forever Quit 
Claimed, and, by these presents, for our selves and our heirs, 
Do fully, freely, clearly, and absolutely grant, aliene, En- 
feoffe, Release, Ratify, Confirm, and Quit Claim, unto the 
said John Pearly, Thomas Pearly, Thomas Hazen, John 
Peabody, and Josiah Bridges, and the Rest of the Freehold- 
ers and Proprietors of the said Plantation or Township of 
Boxford in their actuall possession, being all the afores^ quan- 
tity and Tract of Twelve Thousand acres of Land, more or 
less, Scituate, Lying and being in the s^ County of Essex, 
and butted, bounded, and described as aforesf^, or howsoever 
otherwise the same is bounded, or Reputed to be Bounded ; 
Together with all and singular the Trees, Timber, Woods, 
Underwoods, Rivers, Brooks, Ponds, Streams, Waters, 
Water Courses, Marshes, Meadows, Fields, Fishing, Fowl- 
ing, Hunting, Edifices, Buildings, Rights, Members, Profits, 
Privileges, Commodities, Advantages, Hereditaments, Emol- 
uments, and appur^^% whatsoever upon or Belonging to the 
said Tract of Land, Plantation, or Township of Boxford 
afores'S or to any part or parcell thereof, and all the Estate, 
Right, Title, Interest, Inheritence, use, property, Claime, 
and demand whatsoever, of us, the said Sam^' English, Jo- 
seph English, and John Vmpee, and each of us, our and each 
of our heirs, of, in, or to the same, and the Reversion and Re- 
versions, Remainder and Remainders thereof To Have and 
to Hold all the said herein before granted. Released, and 
Confirmed premises, unto the said John Pearly, Thomas 
Pearly, Thomas Hazen, John Peabody, and Josiah Bridges, 
and the Rest of the Freeholders and Proprietors of the Town 
of Boxford afores'^, their heirs and assignes, to their only 
proper use. Benefit, and behoofe, for Ever. And we, the 
said Samuel English, Joseph English, and John Vmpee, for 



INDIAN PURCHASE. 381 

ourselves and our heirs, do hereby Covenant, grant, and 
agree, to and with the said John Pearly, Thomas Pearly, 
Thomas Hazen, John Peabody, and Josiah Bridges, and 
their heirs and assignes, on behalfe of themselves and other 
the freeholders and Proprietors of said Town Boxford, their 
heirs and assignes, for ever, that we, the said Samuel Eng_ 
lish, Joseph English, and John Vmpee, are the true, Right- 
full, and Lawfull heirs of the before named Musquoiiomonet, 
alias Muschonomet, and that we shall and will warrant and 
defend all and singular the Lands and premises by us herein 
before granted. Released, and quit claimed, unto y^ s'' John 
Pearly, Thomas Pearly, Thomas Hazen, John Peabody, Jo- 
siah Bridges, and other the Freeholders and proprietors of 
the Town of Boxford afores'', their heirs and assignes for Ever, 
against ourselves and our heirs, and all and Every other person 
or persons Claiming any Right, title, or Interest therein from, 
by, or under our said Grandfather Musquonomonit, alias 
Muschonnomet. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set 
our hands and seales, the day of anno Dom : 1701 
annoq ; RR^ Gulielmi Tertii Angliae, Si^G. Decimo tertio. 

"Signed, Sealed, "] his 

and DD I ^^^^^P^^ ^4 English, & (seal). 

! mark 

by Joseph Foster, 1 ^^^ o / n 

I John ^— V Vmpee, & (seal). 

John Boynton. } mark. 

" Joseph English and John Vmpee appeared before me, 
the subscriber, one his Maj^**^^ Justices of y° Peace for the 
County of Essex, and acknowledged this Instrument to be 
their act and deed, this 22^ of Octob"", 1701. 

" Dudley Bradstrect, J. Peace. 

*' Examd p. Steph. Sewall, Reco''^" 

Essex, ss. Registry of Deeds, Sept. 10, A. D. 1840. 

The foregoing is a true copy of record, Book 16, Leaf 183. 
Attest. R, H. French, Reg., by David Pulsifer, 3d. 



382 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

For some good reason, no doubt, Samuel English did not 
sign the foregoing deed ; but on the sixteenth day of the fol- 
lowing January he made a deed of the same tenure, of his 
right to the premises mentioned above, (recorded, Book 18, 
Leaf 33,) to which he affixed the same sign manual as that 
affixed by him to the deed of Bradford. 



A LIST OF TOWN CLERKS FROM 1639. 

From 1639 to 1641, Mr. John Miller, 3 years, went to Yarmouth and 

then to Groton, and there died, Jan. 12, 1663. 
From 1642 to 1655, Francis Parrot, 14 years ; went to England, and 

there died in 1656. 
From 1 656 to 1657, John Trumble, 2 years. Died March 18, 1 656 - 7. 

" 1657 " Thomas Leaver. " Dec. 27, 1683. 

[How long Mr. Leaver served is not known, or who served between 
him and Joseph Boynlon, has not been ascertained.] 
From 1679 to 1691, Joseph Boynton, 13 years. 

" 1692 " 1693, Robert Greenough, 2 '« 

" 1694 " 1696, Thomas Nelson, 3 " Died April 5, 1712. 

" 1697 " 1700, Joseph Boynton, 4 " " Dec. 16, 1730. 

" 1701 " 1719, Samuel Platts, 19 " " Mar. 24, 1725-6. 

. " 1720 " 1754, Thomas Lambert, 35 " " June 30, 1755, 

aged 77 years. 

'« 1755 " 1773, Humphrey Hobson,18i years. Died Aug. 2, 1773, 

aged 55 years. 

" 1773 " 1775, i Thomas Mighill, 25^ years. Died Aug 26,1807, 

" 1777 " 1799, ] aged 85 years. 

In 1776, Paul Jewett, 1 year. Died Aug. 29, 1828, aged 89. 

From 1800 " 1821, Joshua Jewett, 22 years. 

" 1822 '' 1837, Thomas Gage, 16 " 

" 1838 " 1840, Oliver Blackinton, 3 years. 

TOWN CLERK IN GEORGETOWN. 
From 1838 to 1840, George Foot, 3 years. 



/ 



REPRESENTATIVES. 383 

REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT. 

None was sent in 1G39. 

Francis Parrot, 1640, 1642. 

Maximilian Jevvett, 1641 - 1643, 1648, 1651, 1652, 1654- 

1659, 1662-1665, 1672-1674, 1676. 
Matthew Boyes, 1641, 1643-1645, 1650. 
Thomas Nelson, 1641. 
Edward Carleton, 1646, 1647. 
Humphrey Rayner, 1649. 
Sebastian Brigham, 1650. 
Joseph Jewett, 1651- 1654, 1660. 
JohnPickard, 1C61, 1695. 
Richard Swan, 1666- 1673, 1675, 1677. 
Henry Allen, 1674. 
John Pearson, 1678-1680, 1682, 1683, 1685, 1686, 1689, 

1694. 
Samuel Platts, 1681, 1693. 
None sent in 1684. 
John Todd, 1686. 
No Court held in 1687 and 1688, during the usurpation of 

Sir Edmund Andros. 
Daniel Wicom, 1689, 1699. 
Ezekiel Jevvett, 1690 - 1692, 1697, 1707 - 1713. 
John Dresser, 1691, 1692, 1700, 1704-1706. 
Joseph Boynton, 1693, 1698, 1701-1703, 1714. 
James Dickinson, 1696. 
Ezekiel Northend, 1715-1717. 
Joseph Jevvett, (son of preceding Joseph Jewett,) 1718, 

1719. 
Timothy Harris, 1720-1722. 
Samuel Pickard, 1723, 1724. 
John Hobson, 1725, 1727-1738, 1741, 1742, 1744- 

1749. (Was Speaker in 1741.) 
Thomas Lambert, 1720, 1743. 



384 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

John Northend, 1740, 1751. 

Moses Hale, 1750. 

Thomas Lancaster, 1752, 1753, 1755-1757, 1759-1765. 

Humphrey Hobson, 1754, 1758, 1766-1773. 

Nathaniel Mighill, 1774, 1775, 1777, 1781. 

Daniel Spofford, 1776. 

Benjamin Adams, 1778, 1780. 

Not known who in 1779. 

Thomas Mighill, 1783- 1793. 

Town voted not to send in 1782, and were fined for not 

sending. 
Parker Cleaveland, 1794, 1 815. 
Asa Nelson, 1795-1797. 
George Todd, 1798-1800. 
Moody Spofford, 1801-1804, 1808, 1809. 
Benjamin Adams, Jr. 1805, 1806, 1810. 
Thomas Gage, 1806-1814, 1819, 1823, 1833-1835, 

1837. 
Joshua Jewett, 1811, 1812, 1814-1820. 
Jonathan Lambert, 1813. 
Solomon Nelson, 1821, 1829. 
Town voted not to send 1822, 1825, 1828, 1831, and May 

Session, 1832, 1840. 
Thomas Payson, 1824, 1830. 
Samuel Pickard, 1826, 1827, 1829. 
John Kimball, 1833-1835. 
Edward Smith, 1835 - 1837. 
Jeremiah Nelson, 1836, 1837. 
Samuel Little, 1836. 
Nathaniel Mighill, 1838, 1839. 
Joseph Kimball, 1838. 
Charles S. Tenney, 1839. 

Formerly each Town contracted with and paid their own 
Deputy or Representative. In IGGG^ at a meeting for al- 



GRADUATES. 335 

lowing town charges in Rowley, is the following entry and 
allowance ; 

" To Richard Swan, for his Deputyship, 45 days in Court, 

&tls.6d £3 7 6 

For his diet, which is to be paid in corn, at Boston, and is 
provided for in the Province rate, is not to be reckoned 
here, only the carrying and Ferrying, which is, . . 5 3 

For his horse hire and keeping, 1 10 



£5 2 9" 

"In 1667, he was allowed, for 7 weeks' deputy service, 
£3 95. 6d. For his horse hire and keeping, £2 10s. 

In 1672, for deputy service, £6 1()5. Sd. 

In 1674, Henry Allen was allowed, for deputy service, 
^8 IO5. 6d. 

In 1714, the town voted to increase the deputy's pay by an 
addition of eight pence per day. 

In 1731, the town allow John Hobson, Esq, six shillings 
per day for his service as a Deputy. This probably included 
board, horse hire, &c." 



A List of Graduates at different Colleges, whose residence has been 
in Rowley, or who were natives of the town; alphabetically ar- 
ranged. 

Place of Nativity. Where graduated. When. 

Isaac Adam, Rowley, Harvard, 1798 

Merchant, Portland, Maine. 

Samuel Adams, " « 1806 

Preceptor of Dummer Academy, &c. 

Ebenezer Bradford, Canterbury, Ct. Princeton, N. J. 1746 

Sixth Minister of first parish in Rowley. 

Moses Bradford, Canterbury, Ct. Dartmouth, 1785 

Minister of Francistown, New Hampshire. 

Ebenezer G. Bradford, Danbury, Ct. « 1796 

Practised law, and was Judge of a Court in Pennsylvania. 

John M. Bradford, Rowley, Brown, 1800 

Minister in Albany, New York. 

James Bradford, " Dartmouth, 1811 

Minister of Sheffield, Massachusetts. 

33 



386 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



lere graduated. 


When, 


Harvard, 


1794 


«« 


1819 


Bowdoin, 


1836 


Middlebury, 


1819 


Harvard, 


1731 


Rowley. 




li 


1728 


11 


1772 


Brown, 


1799 


Harvard, 


1799 


(( 


1806 


Connecticut, &c. 




Dartmouth, 


1810 


ti 


1813 



Place of Nativity. 
Isaac Braman, Norton, Mass. 

Second minister of second parisli, now Georgetown. 
Milton P. Braman, Rowley, 

Minister in Danvers, Massachusetts. 
Isaac G. Braman, Rowley, 

Piiysician in second parish, now Georgetown. 
Isaac R. Barbour, Bridport, Vt. 

Fourth minister of Byfield. 
Jacob Bacon, Wrentham, 

Pastor of third church in Plymouth, &c. — died in Rowley. 
James Chandler, Andover, 

First minister of second parish, now Georgetown. 
Daniel Chaplin, Rowley, 

Minister of Groton. 
Jeremiah Chaplin, *' 

President of Waterville College, &c. 
Parker Cleaveland, Rowley, 

Professor of Bowdoin College. 
Jonathan Cogswell, " 

Professor of a theological institution, East Windsor, Connecticut, &c. 
Daniel Chute, Rowley, 

James Chute, " 

Minister at Fort Wayne, Indiana. 
John P. Cleaveland, " Bowdoin, 

Minister in Salem, Massachusetts, and Detroit, Michigan, &c. 
Ebenezer Cleaveland, Rowley, " 

Died an undergraduate. 
Ariel P. Chute, « 

Minister at Pownal, Maine. 
George Creasey, " 

Minister at Kennebunk, Maine. 
Greenleaf Dole, " 

Grammar schoolmaster in Rowley. 
Henry Durant, Acton, 

Fifth Minister of Byfield. 
Samuel N. Gage, Rowley, 

Died young. 
John N. Goodhue, Salem, 

Minister in Marlborough, died 1839. 
Moses Hale, Newbury, 

First minister of Byfield. 
John Harriman, Rowley, 

Was a clergyman. 
Samuel Hidden, " 

Minister of Tamworlh, Now Hampshire. 



1821 



« 


1832 


It 


1835 


Harvard, 


1771 


Yale, 


1827 


Dartmouth, 


1798 


Amherst, 


1831 


Harvard, 


1699 


IC 


1667 


Dartmouth, 


1791 



GRADUATES. 



387 



Place of Nativity. Where graduated. 

Humphrey Hobson, Rowley, Dartmouth, 

Willard Holbrook, Uxbridge, Brown, 

Ninth minister of the first parish in Rowley. 

Jedidiah Jewett, Rowley, Harvard, 

Fifth minister of first parish in Rowley. 

Dummer Jewett, Rowley, « 

Merchant in Ipswich. 

Jacob Jewett, " « 

David Jewett, " " 

Minister of Winthrop, Mnine. 

Thomas Jewett, " " 

David Jewett, " Dartmouth, 

Physician in West Newbury. 
Paul Jewett, " Brown, 

Minister of Lebanon, Maine, &c. 
Henry C. Jewett, " « 

Minister at Winsiow, Maine. 
Richard Kimball, Bradford, Dartmouth, 

Grammnr schoolmaster in Rowley. 
George Leslie, Scotland, Harvard, 

First minister of Linebrook parish. 
Thomas Lancaster, Rowley, " 

Minister of Scarborough, Maine. 
Nathaniel Lambert, " Brown, 

Minister of Newbury, Vermont, and Lyme, New Hampshire. 
William Lambert, Rowley, Dartmouth, 

Practised law in Berwick, Maine. 
Thomas Mighill, " Harvard, 

Minister in Milton and Scituate. 
Daniel Merrill, " Dartmouth, 

Minister of Sedgwick, Maine, &c. 
Joseph Merrill, " « 

Minister of Hopewell, New York. 
Nathaniel Merrill, " <« 

Minister of Lyndeborough, New Hampshire, &c. 
David Mighill, Rowley, " 

Physician in second parish, now Georgetown. 
Philip Nelson, England, Harvard, 

Studiod no profession, was the first graduate from Rowley, and the 
of that year. 
Jeremiah Nelson, Rowley, Dartmouth, 

Morch.int in Newburyport, member of Congress, &c. 
Samuel Phillips, Boxford, Eng. Harvard, 

Second minister of Rowley. 



When. 
1814 
1814 

1726 

1752 

1769 
1769 

1797 
1801 

1802 

1824 

1810 

1748 

1764 

1787 

1798 

1663 

1789 

1806 

1809 

1709 

1654 
only one 

1790 
1650 



383 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Placo of Nativity. 
George Phillips, Rowley, 

Minister of Brookliaven, Long Islanr', New Yorlc 
Edward Payson, Roxbury, 

Fourth minister of Rowley. 
Spencer Phips, alias Bennett, Rowley, 

Lieutenant-Governor of Massaciiusctts from 1733 to 1756. 
Samuel Payson, Rowley, 

Tauglit school and preached occasionally, 
Moses Parsons, Gloucester, 

Second minister of Byfield. 
Joseph Pearson, Rowley, 

Secretary of State of New Hampshire. 
Elijah Parish, Lebanon, Ct. 

Third minister of Byfield. 
Humphrey C. Perley, Boxford, 

Minister in Methuen aud Beverly, died in Rowley, 
Moses P. Payson, Rowley, 

Practised law in Bath, New Hampshire^ President 
John Pike, Rowley, 

Practised law at Frankfort, Maine. 
Alfred W. Pike, Rowley, 

Preceptor. 
Daniel J. Perley, Ipswich, 

Physician in Old Town, Maine. 
David M. Perley, Methuen, 

Died young. 
Daniel Perley, Boxford, 

Physician in second parish in Rowley and Lynn. 
Charles Proctor, Rowley, 

Physician in Rowley. 
Benjamin Proctor, Jr. " 

Merchant in Louisville, Kentucky. 
Thomas E. Payson, Rowley, 

Practised law in Andover and Rowley. 
Ezekiel Rogers, Weathersfield, Eng. Univ. Cam. Eng. 3 GOO 

Minister in Rowley, England, and Rowley, America. 
John Richards, Rowley, 

Jeremiah Russell, Hopkinton, N. H. 

Practising law in Rowley, now Georgetown. 
Samuel Shepard, Cambridge, 

Third Minister of Rowley. 
Samuel Shepard, Jr. Rowley, 
Jonathan Searle, " 

Minister of Mason, New Ilampshiro. 



''here graduated. 


When. 


Harvard, 


1G86 


« 


1C77 


<( 


1703 


1756. 




11 


1716 


i( 


1736 


a 


1758 


Dartmouth, 


1785 


C( 


1791 


(( 


1793 


'their State Senate, 


&c. 


u 


1803 


ei 


1815 


Harvard, 


1819 


li 


1827 


It 


1828 


i( 


1828 


Bowdoin, 


1834 


Amherst, 


1834 



Dartmouth, 


1809 


(( 


1826 


Harvard, 


1058 


(( 


1CS5 


tt 


17G4 



GRADUATES. 



389 



Place of Nativity. 
Jonathan Searle, Jr. Rowley, 

Minister of Salisbury, New Hampshire. 
John Smith, Rowley, 

Tutor at Dartmouth from 1774 to 1778, and 
1809. 
Silas Stickney, Rowley, 

Grammar schoolmaster in Beverly, &c. 
John Scott, Rowley, 

Practised law in Newburyport. 
Thomas C. Searle, « 

Minister of Madison, Indiana. 
— Richard S. Spofford, " 

Physician at Newburyport. 
Jeremiah Searle, " 

Minister at Coxsackie, New York. 
Joseph Searle, " 

Minister of Harrison, Maine. 
Moses C. Searle, " 

Minister of first church in Bradford, &c. 
Moses P. Stickney, Rowley, 

Minister of Eastport, Maine. 
Richard T. Searle, « 

Theological student at Andover. 
Samuel Tenney, " 

Judge of a Court in New Hampshire, member of Congress, &c. 
David Tullar, Simsbury, Ct. 

Seventh minister of first parish in Rowley, &c 
Dudley Todd, Rowley, 

Practised law in Portland, Maine. 
Nathaniel Todd, Rowley, 

Minister at Schenectady, New York, &c. 
Charles N. Todd, Rowley, 

John S. Tenney, " 

Practising law at Norridgcwack, Maine. 
James W. Tucker, Danbury, Ct. 
Eighth minister of first parish in Rowley. 
Joseph Torry, Rowley, 

Professor at Vermont University. 
Charles C. Taylor, " 

Minister at Amesbury. 
Amos Wood, " 

Minister at Weare, New Hampshire. 
Charles Wheeler, Rowley, 

Minister at Washington, Pennsylvania. 

33* 



Where graduated. 


When. 


Harvard, 


17C5 


Dartmouth, 


1773 


isor of Languages 


from 1778 to 


It 


1791 


el 


1810 


U 


1812 


Harvard, 


1816 


Union, 


1821 


Dartmouth, 


1815 


Princeton, 


1821 


Amherst, 


1830 


Union, 


1837 


Harvard, 


1772 


tigress, &c. 




Yale, 


1774 


Dartmouth, 


1795 


Brown, 


1800 


Amherst, 


1839 


Bowdoin, 


1816 


Yale, 


1807 


Dartmouth, 


1816 


Bowdoin, 


1833 


Brown, 


1786 


ii 


1807 



390 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



Whole number as 


above, 


96 




Natives of the Town, 


. 70 




Ministers of the gospel, 

Lawyers, 

Physicians, 


49 

8 
7 


Professors in Colleges, 

Preceptors, 

Schoolmasters, 


4 
2 
3 


Judges, 
Lieutenant-Governor, 


2 

1 


Members of Congress, 
All others, 


2 

18 


President of College, 


1 








PHYSICIANS. 





1. Antliony Crosby, from 1652 (perhaps earlier,) to his 
death, which happened in or about 1670. His wife's given 
name was Prudence; by her, who became the second wife 
of Rev. Seaborn Cotton, of Hampton, N. H., he had four 
sons, — Thomas, Jonathan, Jonathan, and Nathaniel. 

2. David Bennett. He probably commenced practice in 
the town soon after Doctor Crosby's death. He had two 
wives ; by Mary, the first, he had two children, David and 
Sarah. By Rebecca, the second, who died March 26, 1712, 
he had three children, David, Spencer, and William. He 
died Februar) 4, 1718-19, aged 103 years. 

Spencer was born June 6, 1685. He took the name of 
Spencer Phips, became the adopted son of his uncle, Sir 
William Phips, who educated him at Harvard College, 
He was Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts from 1733 to 
1756, and died 1757, aged 73 years. 

3. Humphrey Bradstreef commenced practice in Rowley 
as early as 1694. He had two children, Joshua and Sarah. 

4. Joseph Todd, son of John and Elizabeth Todd, born 
Oct. 26, 1704. He married Anne Tappan, of Newbury, 
in 1727; by her he had four children. Nelson, born Nov. 
15, 1744, was the youngest. He died in Bristol, England, 
the same year Nelson was born. 

5. Eliphalct Kilborn. His wife's given name was Jane, 
by whom he had a daughter Jane, b. in 1746. He died 
June 4, 1752. 



PHYSICIANS. 



391 



6. William Hale. He came from Newbury, about 1752, 
married Martha Johnson, of Newbury, in 1753 ; by her, 
who died Oct. 10, 1773, he had three children, William, 
Martha, and Elizabeth. For a second wife, he married 
Jane Jewett, June 29, 1774 ; by her he had three children, 
Joseph, Moses, and Jane. 

7. William Hale, Jr., son of the preceding, married Sa- 
rah Lowell in 1778, practised some previous to his father's 
death, and taught the town school in the first parish. From 
the death of his father, attended wholly to his profession, 
until the autumn of 1791, when he left his family and the 
town, went to the State of Virginia, where he lived several 
years, and died there. 

8. Joseph Torrey. Practised in Rowley from January, 
1790, to March, 1798; then removed to Danvers, and 
thence to Salem. He married, March, 1794, Mary, daugh- 
ter of Rev. Manassah Cutler, LL. D, of Hamilton, by whom 
he had two children, Sophia and Joseph, born at Rowley. 
Sophia died there, in September, 1797. Joseph is now a 
professor in the University of Vermont. 

9. Benjamin Proctor.^ born in Chelmsford, commenced 
practice in Rowley, in 1798, and continues. He married 
Anna Lambert, in March, 1802. They have four sons and 
four daughters, all living. 

10. Charles Proctor, son of the preceding, is now in 
practice in Rowley. He married, in 1838, a daughter of 
Professor Pond, of Bangor, Me. 

Joshua Jewett was in practice here from 1795 to 1800. 
Richard Herbert was in practice several years next be- 
fore 1837. All the above were in the first parish. 

1. Amos Spofforcl was the first regular physician perma- 
nently settled in the Second Parish. He was the youngest 
son of Daniel and Judith Spofford, born in said parish, Sep- 
tember 20, 1751. He continued practice here to near his 



392 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

death, December 20, 1805. He married Irene Dole, by 
whom he had eight sons and three daughters. 

2. Moses D. Spofford, eldest son of the preceding, born 
Dec. 19, 1773, commenced practice in the parish previous 
to his father's death, and continued to near the time of his 
own death, in 1S32. 

3. David Mlghill, eldest son of David and Huldah Mig- 
hill, a native of the parish, and now in practice in it. 

There are also four other practising physicians now in the 
parish, — Moses P. Clark, Richard Herbert, George Moody, 
and Isaac G. Braman. Several others have practised in 
the place for a time, and then left. 

Physicians in Byfield Parish. 

1. Doctor Pierpont was in practice here as late as 1757; 
lived on Newbury side of the parish. 

2. Benjamin Willet, who lived on Rowley side of the 
parish, was in practice to his death. He died April 5, 
1760, aged 48. 

3. Parker Clcaveland commenced practice in the parish 
before 1780, and continued to his death. He died Feb. 10, 
1826, aged 74. He had four children, Parker, John Paine, 
Ebenezer, and Elizabeth ; the two eldest sons and the 
daughter are now living. He lived on Rowley side. 

4. Martin Root is now in practice in the parish, and re- 
sides in Newbury. 



SCHOOLS. 



The first law relating to common school education was 
passed in 1642. Five years after, it was made an indictable 
offence for towns not to maintain schools. They were un- 
doubtedly early established in the town of Rowley ; but by 
whom they were taught, a few of the first years, the records 
do not inform us. But under date of Feb. 3, 1656-7, it is 



SCHOOLS. 393 

found, that the town agreed with one William Boynton to 
teach a town school for the term of seven years ; male chil- 
dren from four to eight years of age were to be taxed (or 
rather their parents for them,) toward paying the master. 
The church agreed to loan said Boynton the sum of £5 to 
aid him in putting up an end to his house, on the condition 
he keep the school seven years as aforesaid, then the de- 
mand against him for said <£5 is to be void ; but if he do 
not so keep the school, then he is to pay the church one half 
the appraised value of said new end of the house ; what 
other compensation he was to have, or did have, is not 
known. 

From what appears upon the town records, it is highly 
probable that said William Boynton continued to teach the 
town school until 1681, a period of about twenty-fo^ years, 
and that the town usually paid him £5 per annum, the res- 
idue of his compensation he received by way of an assess- 
ment upon the scholars. 

During a portion of the time, and perhaps all the time he 
taught the school, he had the care of ringing the meeting- 
house bell, and of sweeping the meetinghouse ; for this ser- 
vice he usually received £2 lOs. per annum. 

This W^illiam Boynton is supposed to have been a son of 
William and Elizabeth Boynton, who were among the first 
settlers of Rowley, and to have been born before his parents 
came to New England. 

In 1682, Simon Wainwright was employed to teach the 
town school. The town gave him £5, beside the money 
raised on scholars. He was, perhaps, a son of Francis 
Wainwright, of Ipswich. How long he taught, is not 
known. In October, Mr. Edward Payson was ordained as 
a colleague with Rev. Samuel Phillips, and to Mr. Phillips's 
death, in 1696, was much of the time employed as a school 
teacher. Not long after the death of Mr. Phillips, a Mr. 
Richard Syle came into the town, (for the express purpose. 



394 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

perhaps,) and was employed many years as a schoolmaster. 
To 1701, Mr. Syle received <£ 10 per annum, besides the 
sum assessed upon the scholars. 

In 1702, he received from the town <£20, and was to find 
the wood. The same terms were agreed on for several 
years. 

In 1706, the town were fined for not keeping schools as 
the law required. 

1716. Mr. Syle was to have £16, and find no wood. 
He was to keep three months in the upper part of the town, 
viz. November, December, and January. This was prob- 
ably the first town school kept in said upper part of the 
town (meaning Byfield parish). This arrangement was 
continued many years. 

1720. The town vote to build a new school-house, (in 
first parish,) 26 by 20 feet, 8 feet post. 

1721. Mr. Syle had =£20. 

1721-2, February 22. Mr. Richard Syle died. 

Some time after the vote to build a new school-house, in 
1720, the town being somewhat tardy in commencing upon 
the work, some of the young rogues, who probably wished 
for a better house, turned out one night and demolished the 
old fabric* The town appointed a committee to prosecute 
those who did the mischief. It is not known that any pros- 
ecution took place. 

After the death of Mr. Syle, the town employed Mr. Sam- 
uel Payson to teach school. He was a son of Rev, Edward 
Payson, and for many years continued to teach the town 
school, assisting his father, a part of the time, to carry on 
the work of the ministry, and occasionally supplying desti- 
tute pulpits in neighbouring towns. 

1727. The town agreed to give him ^30 per annum, 
and to have, in addition, 3f/. per scholar for readers, and 
6d. for writers ; and keep in the westerly part of the town 

* In the night following the 20th of April, 1840, a school-house in 
Georcretown was demolished. 



SCHOOLS. 395 

during the months of August, September, January, and 
February. 

1728. The town offered Mr. Jedediah Jewett <£50 to 
teach the school ; he declining it, they then contracted with 
Mr. Samuel Payson on the same terms as he kept the last 
year. 

Mr. S. Payson continued to teach the town school to the 
close of the year 1741, receiving from £'S5 to <£G0 per 
annum. 

1742. Mr. Benjamin Adams was employed to keep 
school eight months in First Parish ; two months, viz. No- 
vember and December, in the West ; and two months, 
January and February, in Byfield Parish. His salary was 
<£80, bills of credit. 

1743, 4, and 5. Mr. S. Payson taught on the same'terms 
Mr. Adams did in 1742. 

1746 and 7. Mr. Benjamin Adams taught, and had 
£ 100. To keep the first half the year in First Parish; the 
other half in the other two parishes. 

1748. Mr. S. Payson taught. 

1749. Mr. John Noyes was agreed with, and was to 
have .£200, old tenor, and his board. Thirty-eight persons 
dissented. So much difficulty arose, that the contract with 
Mr. Noyes was given up, and Mr. S. Payson continued to 
teach the school till the close of the year 1756; receiving 
about £4: lawful money for the grammar school, and £ 36 
lawful money for the English school. 

1749. The town voted, That the school be apportioned 
among the several parishes, according to their county taxes 
paid. This method of apportioning the school money, has 
been continued to the present time ; with this difference 
only, it is now divided among the school districts, instead of 
parishes. 

1757. Mr. John Noyes was appointed grammar and 
Enolish schoolmaster, had <£26 13s. Ad. and his board. He 



396 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

continued to teach the school to the time of his death, Au- 
gust 13, 1759. 

Mr. Daniel Noyes taught in 1760, 61, and part of 62. 

Mr. Joshua Noyes, in 1763. 

Mr. Phineas. Adams, in 1764, 5, and 6. 

Mr. Joshua Fisher, of Dedham, in 1767.* 

Mr. Jonathan Searle, Jr., in 1768 and 9. 

From this time on, for many years, the selectmen were 
instructed to hire the masters. Their names are not on 
record. 

Mr. Greenleaf Dole graduated at Harvard College in 1771, 
and soon after commenced teaching the town school, and 
continued many years, teaching in each of the several dis- 
tricts in town. 

Dr. William Hale, Jr., taught the school in the First 
Parish, several years between 1780 and 1790. 

Rev. Ebenezer Bradford, soon after his settlement in the 
First Parish, in 1782, opened a private school, at first taught 
by his brother, Moses Bradford, (afterward the minister of 
Francistown, N. H.) by Amos Marsh, and others; this was 
a High School, at which young men were fitted for college; 
it was continued a number of years. 

In 1789, a law was passed authorizing towns to define 
the limits of School Districts. Soon after this, the town of 
Rowley was divided into four School Districts. Since then 
some of those districts have been divided and subdivided, 
so that there are now in the town of Rowley four, and in the 
the town of Georgetown seven, school districts. 

For many years, the town appointed a committee to hire 
Teachers for all the Schools ; latterly, they authorize each 
district to hire their own. 

By the School Return of Rowley, for the year 1839, it 
appears they have 216 persons between the age of 4 and 16 
years ; that 204 different scholars attended school in the Sum- 

* Afterward Dr. Fisher, of Beverly, where he died, March 15, 1333. 



POPULATION. 397 

mer, 137 in the Winter ; average number in Summer, 125, 
in Winter, 78. Amount granted by the town for the sup- 
port of Schools, $ 430. Two Private Schools were kept in 
the town at an expense of $ 300. The interest of their 
Surplus Revenue money is appropriated for the support of 
Schools. 

The School Committee of Georgetown made no return of 
their Schools the last year. Therefore, we can only say 
they had 336 persons between the age of 4 and 16 years ; 
granted $ 600 for the support of schools ; the interest of 
their Surplus Revenue money is also appropriated for the 
support of Town Schools. A High School for youth of both 
sexes has been kept in the town for several years past, in 
addition to their common Town Schools. 



POPULATION. 



The first census of the inhabitants of the Province of 
Massachusetts Bay was taken in 1763 ; being an unpopular 
measure, it was not very accurately taken. According to 
that census, the Province then contained 235,810 whites, 
5,214 blacks ; total, 241,024. The return from Rowley has 
not been found. 

In 1776, another census was taken, when it was found 
Massachusetts contained 343,845 whites, 5,249 blacks; to- 
tal, 349,094. Rowley, at this time, contained 1678 inhabi- 
tants. 

In 1784, a State census was taken ; the State then con- 
tained 357,710 inhabitants. The return of Rowley is not 
found. 

Since 1790, a United States census has been taken every 
tenth year, commencing with that year. By which it is 
found, that, 

34 



398 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

The State, 378,727 

. " 422,845 

« 472,040 

" 523,2871 

" 610,408 

" 701,331 

" 718,592 

The two last were taken per order of the General Court. 



In 1790, Rowley 


contained 


1772 


inhabitants. 


1800, " 


C( 




1557* 


(C 


1810, « 


«♦ 




1682 


«' 


1820, " 


« 




1825 


« 


J830, « 


(( 




2044 


(( 


1837, " 


(( 




2444 


(( 


1840, " 


(( 


1230; 


1 2783 

\ 


,^ 


'* Georgetown " 


1553! 





TAXES AND VALUATIONS. 

The following is a copy of the record of a tax for 1691, 
and is the earliest on record. 

'* In obedience to a warrant from the Treasurer, dated 
y® 9th June, 1691, requiring the Selectmen of Rowley to 
assess upon the estates of the several inhabitants of our 
town, our proportion of c£ 24,000, which amounts to =£391 
4s. id., either in money or in public bills of credit, or grain, 
or provisions, at the prices specified in the warrant. We 
have therefore proportioned the same as follows, viz. 





£ s. 


d. 




£ 


5. 


d. 


Thomas Alley, 


1 14 





Caleb Boynton, Jr. 


(of 






Samuel Boynton, 


2 5 


4 


Ipswich,) 





4 


8 


Samuel Brocklebank, 


3 6 


8 


Caleb Burbank and 








John Brown, 


2 8 





John Burbe, 


3 


2 





Nathan el Brown, 


2 8 





Anthony Benett, 


1 


15 





Widow Bailey, 


6 10 





John Broadstreet, 


1 


6 


8 


David Benitt, 


2 13 


4 


James Baley, 


5 


4 


5 


Joseph Boynton, 


5 2 





John Clark, 


3 


11 


7 


Thomas Burbe & Son, 


4 





Samuel Cooper, 


4 


16 


8 


Barzilla Barker, 


3 5 





Joseph Chaplin, 


5 


G 


8 


Nathaniel Barker, 


4 7 





Micael Cresey, 


1 


15 


4 


Caleb Bointon, Sen. 


3 1 


4 


William Creasey, 


2 


13 


4 



* The expense of the Revolutionary War had been so great upon 
the inhabitants of this town, that some became discouraged, sold their 
estates, and, with their families, moved to Maine, New Hampshire, 
Vermont, and other places ; thereby reducing the population of the 
town. 

t Maine is not included above. 



TAXES AND VALUATIONS. 



399 





£ s. 


d. 




£ s. 


d. 


Martha Colbe, 


1 13 


4 


Stephen Jackquish, 


1 13 





Nathaniel Crosbe, 


1 13 


4 


Joseph Kilburn, 


3 7 


4 


Lieut. John Dresser, 


5 





Samuel Kilburn, 


3 9 


4 


James Dickinson and 






Isaac Kilborn, 


15 


6 


his son Thomas, 


8 3 





Ebenezer Kimball, 


1 4 





Samuel Dresser, 


5 





Widow Law, 


1 4 





John Dresser, Jr. 


1 18 


8 


John Lighten, 


3 


4 


Mr. Richard Dowell, 






Ezekiel Lighton, 


1 12 


8 


(Dole,) 


1 13 





Thomas Leaver, 


3 14 


4 


William Duty, 


1 17 





Samuel Mighill, 


4 3 





Thomas Dennis, 


1 6 





Ezekiel Mighill, 


7 17 


6 


Nathaniel Ellithrop, 


4 





Capt. Philip Nelson, 


6 


8 


Jeremiah Elsworth, 


3 


8 


Serg. Thomas Nelson, 


5 6 


8 


John Grant, 


3 18 


6 


Thomas Nelson, Jr. 


2 8 





Mr, Robert Greenough 


,5 3 





Philip Nelson, Jr. 


3 12 


8 


Benjamin Goodridg, 


2 


8 


Corp. Ez Northend, 


10 





Jonathan Harriman, 


3 





John Platts, 


5 10 





Jonathan Hopkinson, 


5 6 


8 


Samuel Platts and 






Joseph Housley, 


1 6 


8 


Prime's children, 


3 15 





Edward Hasen, 


3 13 


3 


Lidia Platts, 


3 





John Hopkinson, 


3 12 


3 


James Platts, 


2 12 


8 


Richard Holmes, 


16 





John Pickard, 


3 19 





John Howard, 


1 6 


8 


Samuel Pickard, 


3 17 


6 


John Harris, 


1 13 


4 


Widow Pickard, 


1 4 





Nathaniel Harris, 


5 


8 


John Pearson, Sen. 


7 15 





Timothy Harris, 


2 14 


4 


Cornet John Pearson, 


8 3 





Andrew Hidden, 


1 6 


8 


Stephen Pearson, 


3 14 





William Hobson, 


4 14 





Jeremiah Pearson, 


3 5 


4 


Abraham Haseltine, 


4 





Samuel Palmer, 


3 3 





John Haille, 


10 





Serg. John Palmer, 


5 9 


4 


Thomas Haille, 


8 





Francis Palmer, 


2 





Abraham Jewett, 


2 


11 


Thomas Palmer, 


2 





Nickalis Jackson, 


1 7 


9 


Benjamin Plumer, 


2 





Deacon Jewett and 






Joseph Plumer, Sen. 


5 


8 


Francis Jewett, 


6 


6 


Henry Poor, 


10 


8 


Joseph Jewett, 


3 12 


3 


Jonas Platts, 


1 7 





Nehemiah Jewett, 


8 





Jachin Rainor, 


2 18 


4 


Caleb Jackson, 


2 





Henry Rayly, 


5 4 





John Jackson, 


1 6 


8 


John Rainor, 


1 4 





James Jackman, 


10 





Benjamin Ross, 


8 





Widow Johnson, 


5 1 





Sg. Edward Richardson, 15 






400 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 





£ s. 


d. 






£ s. 


d. 


Thomas Rogers, 


10 





Thomas Tenney, 


2 7 





John Spoford, 


3 





James Tenney, 


3 2 


8 


Samuel Spoford, 


3 





Widow Todd, 


4 13 


4 


Samuel Sillver, 


1 7 


7 


John Todd, 


3 14 





John Shepard, 


2 5 


4 


Robert Willis, 


1 4 





Joseph Scott, 


3 





Capt Daniel Wicom, 


4 10 





Benjamin Scott, 


4 


11 


Daniel Wicom, Jr. 


1 10 


8 


Thomas Spofoid, 


3 





John Wicom, 


3 10 


Widow Swan, 


1 1 


4 


Jonathan Wheeler, 


3 5 


4 


Lieut. John Sticknee, 


5 2 





David Wheeler, 


1 9 


4 


Ens. Andrew Sticknee 


,8 17 


6 


Jethro Wheeler, 


1 16 





John Sawyer, 


2 18 





Thomas Wood, 


3 17 





Dunkin Steward, 


2 





Ann Wood, 


4 13 





Widow Searles, 


10 





John West, 


10 


8 


John Steward, 


1 9 


4 


George White, 


2 18 


8 


Widow Trumble, 


2 14 





Total, £394 17 


5 




" Ezek 


iel Northend, 


! 








Ezek 


lel Jevvett, 










Samuel Platts, 


> Selectmen." 






John 


Sticknee, 










Robert Greenou^h, 


\ 







By an act of the General Court, passed in 1671, minis- 
ters of the gospel were exempted from taxation. 

A Province Valuation was taken in 1771, in which the 
town of Rowley stood as follows, viz. 



369 Ratable polls. 

39 Polls not rated. 
239 Dwelling-houses. 
16 Workshops, including tan- 
houses. 
6 Mills. 
8 Servants. 
1,079 Acres of tillage. 
15,259 Bushels of corn. 

847 Acres of English mowing. 
60S Tons of English hay. 
1,025 Acres of fresh meadow. 
893 Tons of fresh hay. 



1,829 Acres of salt marsh. 
1,643 Tons of salt hay. 
5,280 Acres of pasturage. 
1,596 Cows it will keep. 
1,391 Barrels of cider. 

210 Horses. 

296 Oxen. 

868 Cows. 
1,633 Sheep. 

364 Swine. 
£2,481 Money at interest. 
£ 421 Stock in trade. 
£2,660 Income of real estate. 



TAXES AND VALUATIONS. 



401 



Upon this valuation, the county of Essex paid £ 175 95. 
3c?. ; and Rowley, £6S 10s. of o^ 1000. Rowley was about 
1 to 161. In 1691, Rowley paid about 1 to 61. 

The foregoing valuation was taken by 

Thomas Lancaster, "j 

Stephen Mighill, 

David Nelson, > Selectmen. 

Francis Pingree, 

Thomas Gage, 



A State valuation was taken in 1781, in which the town 
of Rowley stood as follows, viz. 



347 Ratable polls, 

G Polls supported by town. 
49 Polls not rated, not sup- 
ported by the town. 
237 Dwelling-houses. 
17 Shops separate from houses. 
2 Tan-houses. 
231 Barns. 
10 Mills. 
937 Acres of tillanre land. 



552 
945 
1,371 
3,300 
977 
3,516 
2,245 



English mowing, 
fresh meadow, 
salt marsh, 
pasturage, 
woodland, 
unimproved land, 
unimprovable land. 



1,037 Barrels cider. 
215 Horses. 

18 Two year old colts. 

19 One year old do. 

253 Oxen of four years old and 

upwards. 
892 Cows. 
252 Other neat cattle of three 

years old and upwards. 
250 Two year old cattle. 
194 Yearlings. 
1,139 Sheep. 
344 Swine. 
94 Ounces plate. 
£2,187 Money at interest. 
£100 Stock in trade. 



The above valuation was taken by 
Paul Jewett, 
Jonathan Chaplin, 
Joseph Poor, 
James Todd, 
John Brocklebank, Jr.,. 
34* 



> Selectmen. 



402 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 
State valuation of 1840. 

Eowley. Georgetown. 

268 499 Ratable polls. 

33 33 Male polls, not taxed, not supported by the 

3 5 Male polls, supported by the town. [town. 
158 225 Dwelling-houses. 

4 1 Shops in or adjoining dwelling-houses. 
40 39 Other shops. 

6- 9 Tan-houses, 

3 1 Grist-mills. 

1 Fulling-mill [for hides]. 

1 2 Saw-mills. 

5 Other mills. 
138 i 226 Barns. 

39 57 Other buildings of $ 20 value, and upwards. 

4,800 19,800 Stock in trade. 

7,000 13,259 Money at interest. 

200 200 Money on hand. 

3,700 11,450 Bank stock. 

200 Shares in bridges, &c. 

50 Ounces of plate. 

511 333 Acres of tillage land. 

42 98 Bushels of wheat. 

727 52 " ■ rye. 

778 1,572 '' oats. 

5,362 3,196 " Indian corn. 

124 240 *' barley. 

627 723 Acres of English mowing land. 

503 516 Tons of hay, cut on the same. 

443 622 Acres of fresh meadow. 

305 390 Tons of hay, cut on the same. 

1,840 Acres of salt marsh. 

1,366 Tons of hay, cut on the same, 

3,389 3,590 Acres of pasturage. 

665> 674 Cows the same will keep. 



STATISTICS. 403 

Rowley. Georgetown. 

115 Covvs-riglits in common pastures. 
1,653 1,239 Acres of woodland. 

371 824 " unimproved land. 

444 82 *' unimprovable land. 

55 50 " owned by the town. 

220 240 " used for roads. 

1,500 320 " covered with water. 

128 133 Horses of one year old, and upwards. 

116 98 Oxen of four years old, and upwards. 
388 315 Cows of three years old, and upwards. 

172 127 Steers and heifers one year old, and upwards. 

219 117 Sheep of one year old, and upwards. 

168 132 Swine of six months old, and upwards. 

1,790 1,6 !0 Pleasure carriages, &c. 



STATISTICS. 



By a Statistical Return, made pursuant to a law of the 
Commonwealth, of certain articles manufactured during the 
year ending April 1st, 1837, it appears there were manufac- 
tured in Rowley, in said year, 

32,600 pairs of boots, 300,250 pairs of shoes, valued at 
$315,360. Males employed, 518, females, 192. 

16 tanneries in the town. Number of hides tanned, 
11,600. Value of leather tanned and curried, $ 43,400. 
Hands employed, 31. Capital invested, ^33,500. 

Value of all the boots and shoes manufactured in the 
State, $ 14,642,520 ; of which, Rowley manufactured about 
one forty-sixth part, with about one fifty-fifth part of the 
hands employed in the State. 



QUADRUPEDS. 



The Wolf, Bear, Deer, Moose, and other quadrupeds, 
were common when our ancestors first settled this country. 



404 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

The Woir was the most troublesome in this town, and it was 
a long time before they were wholly extirpated. 

The Colony early gave a bounty of forty shillings per head 
for each wolf killed. To receive the bounty, the heads of 
the wolves must be brought to the constable of the town and 
buried. By a law of 1G48, the selectmen of each town were 
authorzied to " purchase as many hounds as they think 
meet, and to impose the keeping on such as they think fit- 
test, so that all means may be improved for the destruction 
of wolves." 

Josselyn, in *' New England Rarities," page 84, tells of 
another method of destroying these animals, viz. " Four 
mackerel hookes across are bound with brown thread, and 
then some wool is wrapped around them, and they are dipped 
into melted tallow till they be as big and round as an egg. 
This thing, thus pjepared, is laid by some dead carcase, 
which toles the wolves. It is swallowed by them, and is 
the means of their being taken. 

The town of Rowley for many years constantly paid a 
bounty for the destruction of wolves, in addition to the 
bounty paid by the Colony. 

" 1661. Lieut. Samuel Brocklebank, Henry Rily, Thom- 
as Wood, John Grant, Jachin Rainer, and John Mighill, 
having engaged to make a pen to catch wolves, had that 
privilege granted, that nobody else shall make any pen any 
where upon the Cow Commons during the space of three 
years, and they are to have for every wolf taken by their 
pen fifty shillings, paid by the town." 

1669. The Town granted a bounty of twenty shillings 
per head, for each wolfkJMed by any inhabitant of the town. 

Several pens for catching wolves were built in this town. 
One was upon the Cow Common, as before mentioned, not 
far distant from the most settled part of the town. One was 
near the Mill River, somewhere below Symonds's Bridge. 
One was m Symon^fs field, westerly of where Jonathan 



TOWN PAUPERS. 405 

Taylor now lives, and one was upon the three thousand acres, 
made by John Spofford and sons. The town required the 
Village people to pay the bounty on those wolves caught in 
Spofford's pen. 

The town early paid a bounty for killing foxes. In 1GG6, 
two shillings and sixpence per head was paid. 

1739. Dec. 25, John Hazen and John Holmes were ap- 
pointed for the purpose of informing against any person or 
persons who shall kill any Deer, Buck, or Fawn, contrary to 
the law in such case provided. 

The law requiring towns to appoint deer reeves was con- 
tinued in force till within a few years. 



TOWN PAUPERS. 

For seventy-five years from the settlement of the town, the 
inhabitants were at very little public expense, for the support 
of their poor. The first mention made upon the town 
records of any pauper is in 1678, when the town were at 
some expense for one goodwife Marble. Several letters 
passed between Rowley and Bradford on the subject of her 
maintenance. The Rowley Selectmen seem to see it quite 
clear, that she belonged to Bradford; the Bradford Select- 
men expressed great pity for the woman, but could not see 
it quite so clear that she belonged to them to support. How 
the question was finally settled is not known. 

In 1G99, Goodee Russell was chargeable as a paujier. 

In 1713, Mark Prime was appointed sole Overseer of the 
Poor, and John Jackson was the only pauper, who continued 
such to his death, Feb. 23, 1718-19. The town paid 
seven shillings per week for his board a part of the time, 
perhaps more at other times. (The price of Indian corn, as 
established by the town, was then two shillings and sixpence 
per bushel.) 



406 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

In 1717, John Kendrick ; 1726, John Shepard and wife ; 
1729, Widow Woodbury, and Iier son Ebenezer ; 1732, 
Hannah Goodwin; 1746, Robert Martin, all became 
chargeable as paupers, and probably others. From 1726 to 
1750, a period of twenty-five years, the average expense to 
the town for support to the poor, was £31 Ss. 6(1. per 
year. The funeral expenses of two individuals, who died 
during the period just mentioned, were as follows, viz. 

For Hannah Goodwin, who died in 1746: Sheet, 4s'. 
4^f/. ; coffin, 6s. 3r/. , grave, 2^. 6d. ; tolling bell, 3d. ; two 
quarts of rum,2^•. 6d. ; time spent, 25. 6d. Total, I85. 4^d. 

For Robert Martin, who died 1750: Sheet, 55. ; coffin, 
6s. 8d. ; grave, 25. 6d. ; rum and cider, 55. ; six quarts of 
distilled water, 25. 8d. Total, £ 1 I5. \0d. 

From 1751 to 1775, another period of twenty-five years^ 
the average expense of the poor was a trifle less, it is be- 
lieved, than it was the preceding twenty-five years. 

In 1757, Robin Mingo, a free man of color, an inhabi- 
tant of Rowley, sickened and died at the house of Joseph 
Noyes, in Newbury, Byfield Parish. The town of Rowley 
paid Noyes for ten weeks' board and nursing in last sickness, 
£3 4s. i\d. They also paid for four pairs of gloves to the 
bearers. Robin was a member of the Byfield Church. He 
had formerly owned and lived in a small house standing on 
Rowley side of Byfield Parish, upon land adjoining the 
road leading from Symonds's Bridge to Leighton's Corner, 
so called, lately owned by Josepli Searle, deceased. 

From 1776 to 1800, the expense of the poor was consid- 
erably increased. The average was about j^ 262 per year. 
In 1776, the whole amount granted by the town for support 
of poor, was £ \7 6s. ; in 1800, $448. 

From 1801 to 1810, the average expense was about §637 
per year. From 1811 to 1818, about § 1215 per year ; for 
1818, about $ 1700, exclusive of State paupers. 

Up to this time, the poor had been boarded with those 



TOWN PAUPERS. 4O7 

who would keep them cheapest. The town becoming 
alarmed at the increasing expense of their poor, in the spring 
of IS 19, agreed to hire Enoch Tenney's farm for three 
years, to keep their poor upon, by way of experiment ; it 
cost the town about $ 600 for stock, tools, and furniture, to 
begin with. At the end of the three years, it was found 
that, after deducting the then value of the stock, tools, and 
furniture, the same number of individuals had been sup- 
ported for less than the cost of supporting them the preced- 
ing years. The town were therefore induced to vote to 
purchase a farm as a permanent establishment for their poor. 
Much difference of opinion existed in the town, as to the 
best location for the establishment. Farms in different sec- 
tions of the town were offered for sale. Local prejudice, no 
doubt, influenced the votes of many in making a selection. 
A majority of the town were in favor of purchasing a farm, 
but a majority could not, for a long time, be obtained for any 
one particular farm, till at length the town appointed a com- 
mittee of five, to view all the farms offered, and report to 
the town their opinion, which committee recommended the 
farm the town now own, in By field Parish ; their report was 
accepted, and in March, 1822, they took a deed thereof. 
The fiirm, including several lots of salt marsh, fcc, contains 
about one hundred acres, for which they paid $ 3000, 
where the poor have since been supported, at much less ex- 
pense than formerly. After three or four of the first years, 
when additions were making to the stock, tools, furniture, 
&c., the town have usually made a grant of $400 only for 
the support of all their own poor, and that sum was found to 
be sufficient for a number of years. In one year, 1830, the 
expense of the poor to the town was less than $ 100. 

Situated as the town is, upon the sea coast, they have ever 
had more or less State paupers, averaging between thirty 
and forty each year. So long as the State paid ten cents 
per day for their board, they were no disadvantage to the 



408 



HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



town ; but since the price has been reduced to seven cents, 
it is a disadvantage to have them, and the town charges for 
support of poor have been considerably increased by that 
reduction. 

There has annually been from twelve to twenty of the 
town's poor in the alms-house, and from ten to fifteen re- 
ceiving more or less aid out of the house. 

Since the town have had an alms-house, their expense for 
medical aid for the poor has been less than one fourth of 
what it was before. 

The poor are now, no doubt, better fed and clothed than 
they were when scattered in different families. 



VOTES FOR GOVERNOR, SINCE 1780. 



Dates. 


Candidates. 


Votes. 


Candidates. 


Votes. 


1780 


Hancock, 


84 


Bowdoin, 


2 


1781 


Hancock, 


44 


None. 




1782 


Hancock, 


68 


None. 




1783 


Hancock, 


40 


Bowdoin, 


2 


1784 


Hancock, 


19 


B. Lincoln, 


4 


1785 


Bowdoin, 


26 


T. Gushing, 


6 


1786 


Bowdoin, 


17 


B. Lincoln, 


10 


1787 


Hancock, 


136 


Others, 


32 


1788 


Hancock, 


81 


Gerry, 


51 


1789 


Hancock, 


129 


Bowdoin, 


12 


1790 


Hancock, 


77 


Bowdoin, 


6 


1791 


Hancock, 


54 


B. Lincoln, 


1 


1792 


Hancock, 


52 


None. 




1793 


Hancock, 


89 


None. 




1794 


S. Adams, 


56 


S. Phillips, 


9 


1795 


S. Adams, 


68 


None. 




1796 


S. Adams, 


50 


Sumner, 


31 


1797 


Sumner, 


55 


Gill, 


8 



VOTES FOR GOVERNOR. 



409 



Dates. 


Candidates. 


Votes. 


Candidates. 


Votes. 


1793 


Sumner, 


49 


Sullivan, 


2 


1799 


Sumner, 


94 


Heath, 


48 


1800 


Strong, 


99 


Gerry, 


55 


1801 


Strong, 


123 


Gerry, 


60 


1802 


Strong, 


137 


Gerry, 


70 


1803 


Strong, 


147 


Gerry, 


59 


1804 


Strong, 


136 


Sullivan, 


55 


1805 


Strong, 


158 


Sullivan, 


79 


1806 


Strong, 


149 


Sullivan, 


61 


1807 


Strong, 


176 


Sullivan, 


80 


1808 


Gore, 


183 


Sullivan, 


85 


1809 


Gore, 


174 


L. Lincoln, 


76 


1810 


Gore, 


186 


Gerry, 


100 


1811 


Gore, 


185 


Gerry, 


94 


1812 


Strong, 


190 


Gerry, 


91 


1813 


Strong, 


206 


Varnum, 


91 


1814 


Strong, 


210 


S. Dexter, 


95 


1815 


Strong, 


182 


S. Dexter, 


78 


1816 


Brooks, 


164 


S. Dexter, 


95 


1817 


Brooks, 


154 


Dearborn, 


66 


1818 


Brooks, 


131 


Crowningshield, 


49 


1819 


Brooks, 


135 


Crowningshield, 


77 


1820 


Brooks, 


138 


Eustis, 


74 


1821 


Brooks, 


112 


Eustis, 


62 


1822 


Brooks, 


149 


Eustis, 


90 


1823 


Otis, 


136 


Eustis, 


117 


1824 


Lathrop, 


169 


Eustis, 


141 


1825 


Lincoln, 


185 


Lathrop, 


2 


1826 


Lincoln, 


87 


Hubbard, 


87 


1827 


Lincoln, 


182 


Hubbard, 


1 


1828 


Lincoln, 


164 


None. 




1829 


Lincoln, 


169 


Morton, 


4 


1830 


Lincoln, 


204 


Morton, 


32 


1831 


Lincoln, 


182 


Morton, 


63 



35 



410 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



ir 



CandHates. Votes. 

Morton, 48 

Morton, 15 
a. Adams, 42 

Morton, 54 

Morton, 10 

Morton, 52 

Morion, 44 

Morton, 21 

Morton, 34 



Georgetown, incorporated April 24, 1838. 

1838 Everett, 152 Morton, 58 

1839 Everett, 118 Morton, 92 



Dates. 


Candidates. 


Vote'?. 


1832 


Lincoln, 


177 


1833 


Davis, 


104 


1834 


Davis, 


247 


1835 


Everett, 


166 


1836 


Everett, 


212 


1837 


Everett, 


194 


1838 


Everett, 


89 


1839 


Everett, 


62 



MILLS. 



Thomas Nelson erected the first grist-mill in the town, 
just above tide water on Mill river, (near the Newburyport 
turnpike road,) where now are mills. This was erected 
soon after the settlement was commenced. In the first al- 
lotment of lands, in January 1643-4, 36 acres in the Mill 
Field were granted to said Thomas Nelson ; 10 of which 
were " for encouragement towards building the mill." 

About this time, John Pearson removes, (probably from 
Lynn,) and erects a fulling-mill and clothier's-works near 
the grist-mill. Thomas Nelson " being called to make a 
voyage into Old England," (where he died, in August, 
1648,) made his will, which is dated December 24, 1645, 
from the record of which the following extracts are made. 

"Imprimis, I give vnto my beloved wife Joane, for her 
naturall life, my Mill, mill-house, with the appurtenances," 
&c. &.C. 

"The remainder or reuersion of which mill," &,c. "To 
my eldest sonne Phillip Nelson a double portion." 



MILLS. 411 

"Item, my will is, that Richard Bellingham, Esquire, and 
my honored Vncle, Richard Diimmer, Gent., shall haue the 
education of my sonne Phillip Nelson and Thomas Nelson, 
and the proportion of their estates, both of lands and goods, 
for their education and maintenance, till they come to twen- 
tie one yeers, and then they to receiue their estates and the 
ouerplus aboue their maintenance," (Slc. 

" &b 1 wold intreate Mr. Ezekiell Rogers, of Rowley, and 
Mr. John Norton, of Ipswich, to be my ouerseers ; and my 
mind further is, if any differances arise concerning my last 
will and testament, my ouerseers shall haue the heareing 
and deciding of the same." 

John Pearson improved the grist-mill after the death of 
Mr. Nelson. In 1667, he took a lease from the heirs, for 
twenty-one years. In 1678, a division of Mr. I'homas Nel- 
son's real estate was made among the heirs ; and possession 
of the mill being demanded, Pearson refused to give it up; 
and an action was brought against him by Philip Nelson, n 
1687 or 1688. On the trial, Pearson produced a deed from 
Richard Dummer,* executor, given in 1654, " and backt 
his title by ye Generall Court's confirmation severall years 
as js supposed after his purchase." Philip, however, recov- 
ered judgment for his possession ; and, after his decease, in 
1691-2, his widow and executrix sold all his interest to 
said John Pearson's son John ; from whom these mills, to- 
gether with a large landed estate, descended to his son Jo- 
seph, born 1677, — to his son John, born 1702, — to his 
two sons, Samuel, born 1739, and John, in 1746, — and to 
their sons, Samuel and John, who have both recently died 
without issue. 



* Richard Dummer erected the first grist mill in Newbury. Octo- 
ber 6, lG38,the town of Newbury, at a meeting called for the purpose, 
did a<4ree and vote, " That in case Mr. Dummer do make his mill fit 
to grynd come, and do see maintane the same, and keep a man to 
grynd, &c., they will send their come to his mill," &Ci 



412 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

1681, Dec. 26. The town voted, That they were minded 
to have another mill built in the town. 

At the same meeting, it was agreed and voted, That there 
should be a mill built on the Warehouse River, in the most 
convenient place, and that the river might be stopped by 
making a dam, by any persons that would appear to build 
the mill. 

No mill, however, was built upon the Warehouse River 
until the one built by John Harris, in 1760, now owned by 
his grandson, Daniel Harris. The said John Harris, born 
Oct. 11, 1695, was the son of Deacon Timothy Harris, and 
grandson of the first John Harris. 

In 1697, Oct. 30, the town voted. That Sergeant Jere- 
miah Pearson shall have liberty to build a grist-mill for the 
benefit of the town, if a convenient place can be found. 

In 1699 - 1700, Jan. 23, the town agreed and voted. That 
the land laid out to Samuel Platts, Jr., near Daniel Ten- 
ney's house in this town, (he, the said Platts, agreeing 
to take other land in exchange,) be granted to Sergeant Jer- 
emiah Pearson to build a grist-mill upon. A mill was soon 
after erected, and stood upon the same stream on which the 
aforenamed John Pearson's mills were erected, between two 
and three miles further up the stream, and opposite " Stick- 
ney's Mills." This mill was kept in use about one hundred 
years, when it was suffered to decay, and has been wholly 
removed. Jeremiah Pearson, who built it, was a son of the 
first John Pearson, abovenamed, and was forty-five years 
old when the grant was made to him. 

About the year 1740, one Daniel Peirce commenced dig- 
ging a canal to convey the water coming out of Pentucket 
Pond to where Dole's Mills (in Georgetown) now stand, pre- 
paratory to the erection of a grist-mill. The undertaking 
being of considerable magnitude, Peirce's funds failed be- 
fore the work was accomplished, and he sold out his interest 



MILLS. 413 

in the concern. The purchaser finished it, and erected a 
grist-mill, which has been kept in use from the L5th of Oc- 
tober to the 15th of April, each year. And in 1807, John 
Wood, the then owner, erected a saw-mill, which has been 
kept running the same length of time in each year. 

Between 1730 and 1740, Deacon Abner Spofford erected 
the first saw-mill at the place where William Spoiford's saw- 
mill now stands, in Georgetown, which has been in use a 
portion of each year to the present time. 

Colonel Daniel Spofford and his sons, soon after the year 
1780, erected a grist-mill in connexion with said saw-mill, 
which was kept in use a portion of each year, for about 
40 years, and then taken down. 

At the commencement of the revolutionary war, Eleazer 
Spofford, a son of said Deacon Abner Spofford, erected a 
mill for drawing wire, which stood a short distance below 
the said saw and grist mills; this was kept in operation until 
1780. 

About the same time, and near the same place, Jeremiah 
Spofford erected a snuff" mill, which was kept in use but a 
few years. 

In 1739, there were Iron works in operation, standing on 
the stream (in Georgetown) which runs from Rock Pond 
into Pen tucket Pond, a short distance northerly of the road 
leading to Haverhill. One Samuel Barret lived near the 
works, and, it is supposed, carried tbem on. How long 
these works were in operation is not known. 

Anciently, a saw-mill was built by Moses Hazen or Jere- 
miah Hazen, his father, which stood near where Benjamin 
McLaughlin's tan-yard now is, which mill has not been in 
use for many years. 

The first saw-mill built in Rowley stood near where Solo- 
mon Dodge's mills now are, and was probably erected soon 
after the settlement of the town. Tradition informs us, that 
the Mighills and Chaplins were early interested in it, and 

35* 



414 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

perhaps the builders thereof. This mill was about one mile 
above the said Jeremiah Pearson's mill, and upon the same 
stream. About the year 1780, Phineas Dodge erected a 
grist-mill about half a mile above the saw-mill, which was 
taken down in 1823, by his son, the said Solomon Dodge, 
who then erected a new one near his saw-mill. 

The Stickney mills, mentioned above, were first erected ; 
the saw-mill, soon after 1740, by Samuel Stickney ; the 
grist-mill, in 1783, by Jedediah Stickney, son of said Sam- 
uel. 



The towns of Rowley and Georgetown, in the County of 

Essex, contain .... 20,761 acres. 

Bradford contains about . . . 10,000 " 

Boxford " '' ... 13,900 " 

44,661 '^ 

Hills. 

Ox Pasture, in Rowley, . 
Prospect, *' 

Hounslow, '' 

Long Hill, in Georgetown, 
Baldpate, " 

Roads. 

Length, in Rowley and Georgetown, 75 miles. 

Distance from Congregational Meeting-house, in Rowley, to 
Boston (Old State House), 31 miles, 159 rods. 

Salem, corner of Court and Essex sts., 16 " 164 " 
Ipswich, Court House, 3 '' 308 '' 

Newburyport, '' 6 " 164 '» 

From Congregational Meeting-house, Georgetown, to 

Salem, 15 miles, 156 rods. 

Boston, 30 " 151 '' 



193 feet high, 


277 


(( 


n 


300 


(.( 


(I 


233 


(( 


it 


392 


(( 


il 



EARTHQUAKES. 4I5 

The distances from Rowley, iSic. stated above, were taken 
by Jonatlian P. Saunders, of Salem, in 1830. 

A Survey and Map of the town was made in 1794, by Jo- 
seph Chaplin, and another in 1830, by Philander Anderson, 
both by order of the General Court. 

Pentucket Pond and Rock Pond are two beautiful sheets 
of water, situate near the principal village in Georgetown, 
the former has an area of from one to two hundred acres, 
the other is much less. These ponds, with Baldpate Hill 
and Long Hill, add much to the beauty of the scenery of 
the town, and are places of considerable resort for the citi- 
zens and others in the warm season of the year. Baldpate 
Hill is supposed to be the highest land in the county. From 
this bill, in a clear day, a delightful and extensive view may 
be taken. Some of the principal mountains and hills of 
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, are to be seen : 
the surrounding villages, and the spires of many, and some 
quite distant, meeting houses, as Ipswich, Hamilton, Salem, 
Reading, Andover, Haverhill, West Newbury, Newbury, 
and Newburyport, in Massachusetts, and Atkinson and 
Plaistow, in New Hampshire, with various others, are all in 
view. The Use of Shoals, the northern and iron-bound 
shore of Cape Ann, with vessels passing Ipswich Bay, are 
all before the eye of him who ascends this eminence. The 
summit of either of the other hills mentioned above affords a 
most delightful prospect. From Prospect Hill, in Rowley, the 
view in a northerly and easterly direction is very extensive. 



EARTHQUAKES. 



On June 1, 1638, about two o'clock, P. M., was an earth- 
quake throughout New England, which caused the pewter, 
in many places, to be thrown off the shelves, and the tops of 
chimneys, in some places, to be shaken down. 



41(5 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

"Sabbath day, October 29, 1727. A little more than 
half an hour past ten o'clock in the evening the first and 
great shake was felt, when the heavens were most serene, 
and the atmosphere perfectly calm. And it was repeated 
several times that night, and afterwards to January 6lh next 
following, when, about two o'clock in the afternoon, there 
was a very great shake, which exceeded any other since the 
first night; this day was warm, clear, and calm." * 

This has been denominated " The Great Earthquake," in 
New England ; the tops of many chimneys were thrown 
down, and the pewter, &-c., shaken from the shelves. The 
people of Rowley, being much alarmed, mostly repaired to 
their minister's house (Rev. Edward Payson); that being 
insufficient to accommodate them, the meeting-house was 
opened, where they spent most of t!ie night in prayer. 

On November 18th, 1755, was another great earthquake 
in New England. Rev. Mr. Lesslie, in the Church Records 
of Linebrook Parish, made the following entry, viz. " Be- 
tween the hours of four and five in the morning, there hap- 
pened a most surprising shock of the earthquake, which was 
afterwards succeeded by several others, tho' none equal to 
the first. In the town of Ipswich, much damage was done 
to many houses ; yet, through the goodness of God, no hurt 
was done, either to the lives or limbs of any persons." 

"Nov. 19. Several shockes were heard, tho' but small 
compared to the first." 

*' 1761, March 12. Between the hours of two and three 
P. M. there happened a shock of an earthquake." 

On Sabbath day, March 1, 1801, about half past three 
o'clock, in the afternoon, was a slight shock of an earth- 
quake, which lasted about twenty or thirty seconds. Its 
sound could not easily be distinguished from the noise of a 



* Note to a Sermon, by Rev. Samuel Phillips, of Andover, preached 
Dec. 21, 1727, being a public Fast, occasioned by the earthquake. 



THE DARK DAY. 417 

coach passing moderately over frozen ground. Some, who 
were in their houses, at first thought their chimneys were on 
fire. The sky was clear. The weather was uncommonly 
mild and pleasant, with scarcely a breath of air. 

Other slight shocks of earthquakes have occurred at dif- 
ferent times in various parts of the New England States. 



THE DARK DAY. 

The 19th day of May, 1780, is denominated '^ The Dark 
Day." Soon after that period, various persons endeavoured 
to account for the extraordinary phenomenon. Perhaps no 
one gave a more satisfactory soIutioTTTtTali that contained in 
a letter written in 1785, by Dr. Samuel Tenney, then of 
Exeter, N. H., communicated to the Historical Society, and 
published by them, Vol. I. p. 95. A copy of which follows, 
viz. 

'* Although the uncommon darkness which attracted the 
attention of all ranks of people in this part of the country, 
on the 19th May, 1780, was a phenomenon which several 
gentlemen of considerable literary abilities have endeavoured 
to solve, yet I believe you will agree with me, that no satis- 
factory solution has yet appeared. But it does not thence 
follow, that none can be given. That it was supernatural 
was never supposed but by the ignorant and superstitious ; 
it must then admit of a rational and philosophical explana- 
tion The following, therefore, is submitted to that candor 
with which a true philoj^opher will examine every modest 
attempt to extend our knowledge of nature, and to explain 
her operations. Should it not prove satisHictory, it may at 
least excite you to an attempt that shall be more successful. 

" You will readily recollect, that previously to the com- 
mencement of the darkness, the sky was overcast with the 



418 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

common kind of clouds, from which there was, in some 
places, a light sprinkling of rain. Between these and the 
earth, there intervened another stratum, to appearance of 
very great thickness. As this stratum advanced, the darkness 
commenced, and increased with its progress till it came to its 
height ; which did not take place till the hemisphere was a 
second time overspread. The uncommon thickness of this 
second stratum was probably occasioned by two strong cur- 
rents of wind from the southward and westward, condensing 
the vapors, and drawing them in a northeasterly direction. 
I remember this observation was made by an anonymous 
writer in one of the public papers soon after the event. 

" As I set out the next day, from my father's, in Row- 
ley, to join my regiment in New Jersey, I had an opportu- 
nity to inform myself what were the appearances in different 
parts of the country, between here and Pennsylvania. The 
result of my inquiries on that journey, and after my return, 
was, that the darkness was most gross in the county of Es- 
sex, the lower part of the State of New Hampshire, and the 
old Province of Maine. In Rhode Island and Connecticut 
it was not so great, and still less so in New York. In New 
Jersey, the second stratum of clouds was observed, but not 
of any great thickness ; nor was the darkness very uncom- 
mon. In the lower parts of Pennsylvania, if my recollec- 
tion does not fail me, no extraordinary appearance was no- 
ticed. Through this whole extent, the lower stratum had 
an uncommon brassy hue, while the earth and trees were 
adorned with so enchanting a verdure as could not escape 
notice, even amidst the unusual gloom that surrounded the 
spectator. This gradual increase of the darkness from 
southwest to northeast, which was nearly the course of the 
clouds, affords a pretty good argument in favor of the suppo- 
sition, that they were condensed by two strong currents of 
wind, blowing in different directions. To these two strata 
of clouds we may, without hesitation, impute the extraordi- 



THE DARK DAY. 419 

nary darkness of the day. Let us now examine how they 
effected it. 

*' We have, unhappily, no method of exactly comparing 
different degrees of light, that will apply in all cases. We 
cannot, therefore, determine the proportion which the light 
of a common rainy day bears to that of the clear sun. 
It is probably not so considerable as may be supposed. 
We may make a kind of estimate of it, sufficient for our 
purpose, in the following way. 

" Upon a superficial consideration we should not, perhaps, 
suppose that the light of the full moon was in a much less 
proportion to that of the sun, than as that of one to one 
thousand. But this conjecture would be exceedingly erro- 
neous, as will appear from the following rough calculation. 
The light proceeding from a luminous body is, at different 
distances, always in an inverse ratio of the squares of those 
distances. The moon is nearly 217 of her semi-diameters 
distant from the earth, the square of which number is a lit- 
tle above 47,000. Now supposing the earth and moon were, 
at the full of the latter, equidistant from the sun, and received 
equal proportions of light from him; supposing also, that the 
surface of the moon was in every way a perfect reflector, the 
above number would give the exact proportion between the 
light of the sun and full moon. In other words, the light of 
the sun would be to that of the full moon as 47,000 to 1. 
But the moon at the full is considerably further distant from 
their common source of light than the earth is, and must re- 
ceive less light in proportion. Further, the moon, instead 
of being a jjcrfcct reflector in every paif, reflects at best 
very imperfectly, and from a considerable portion of her sur- 
face, scarce any at all. These things considered, we can- 
not suppose that the light of the full moon bears a greater 
proportion to that of the sun than as 1 to 100,000. 

We have here compared two degrees of light, which are 
familiar to us. With these we can compare the light we 



420 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

enjoy in a common rainy day, which is equally so. This, 
however, can be only by conjecture, and it is not necessary 
for our purpose that it should be a very happy one. We 
will suppose the light of a common cloudy day, just before it 
rains, to be 10,000 times as great as the full moon, or 10 
times less than that of the sun in a clear atmosphere. To 
put it beyond a doubt, however, that this is a modest postu- 
latum, we will take another method to ascertain it, which, 
perhaps, (had it struck my mind sooner,) might have pre- 
cluded the necessity of the preceding calculation. Suppos- 
ing a tight room to face the sun when at a small height 
above the horizon, the degree of light in it will bear the 
same proportion to the light without doors, as the glass in 
that front (all other windows and doors being closed,) bears 
to a section of the room perpendicular to the sun's rays. 
For instance, if the glass is to the perpendicular section as 
1 to 8, the light in the room would bear that proportion to 
the light without. This, however, is upon the supposition 
that the glass should transmit all the incident rays, which is 
not the fact ; for a very considerable part of them is reflect- 
ed ; probably such a proportion as to reduce the light in the 
room to a twelfth part of that without doors. A very great 
disproportion this ; but I believe you will allow, that it is 
not much greater than that which we have been endeavour- 
ing to ascertain. We will, therefore, consider the postula- 
tum as established. It will then follow, that nine parts in 
ten of the sun's rays are reflected from the upper surface of 
a common stratum of clouds, or lost in their passage through 
it. That the reflected rays are very copious, will appear by 
the resplendent whiteness of small detached clouds, when 
strongly illuminated by the sun. We can also easily con- 
ceive, that a large part of the rays, which enter the clouds, 
will be absorbed and lost in them, when we consider the 
infinite number of reflections and refractions they must 
suffer in their passage. The rays which make their way 



THE DARK DAY. 421 

tlirough, probably suffer nearly as many reflections and re- 
fractions as those which are stopped. It is, therefore, nat- 
ural to conclude, that their velocity is greatly diminished at 
the time of their exit from the lower surface of the clouds ; 
for the causes that were able to stop nine-tenths of the rays 
must necessarily have greatly retarded the rest. 

" Now let us suppose a second stratum of clouds, thick 
and compact, to intervene betvveen the first and the earth, 
as happened on the memorable 19th of May. The rays 
that fortunately effected their passage through the first, were 
not only deprived of a great part of their velocity, but turned 
out of their direct course, so that they must have struck 
upon the second very obliquely. By this means a much 
larger proportion of them than common was reflected from 
the upper surface of the clouds that composed it. The rest 
having to penetrate a very thick and compact body of vapors, 
with a velocity exceedingly diminished, had not a sufficien- 
cy of momentum to overcome the resistance they had to en- 
counter from the numerous reflections and refractions they 
met with, and were consequently lost in their passage. 
Nor will it appear strange, that, when nine-tenths of the in- 
cident rays, while proceeding with their inconceivable native 
velocity, were lost in passing a common stratum of clouds, 
the remainder should he so generally lost in such a body of 
vapor as then opposed their progress, after they had been so 
fatigued and tamed (if I may borrow the expression) in their 
struggles to force a passage through the first obstacle. The 
wonder is much greater, that any of them were able to pene- 
trate. 'T is certain, however, that a small proportion were so 
fortunate. These were sufficient to render terrestrial objects 
visible, while their yellow hue thrown upon the foliage and 
herbage dimmished the intensity of their natural green, 
which is a compound colour, and gave tliem the resplen- 
dent and beautiful tint they exhibited. 

" The darkness of the following evening was probably as 
36 



422 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

gross as has ever been observed since the Almighty fiat 
gave birth to light. It wanted only palpability to render it 
as extraordinary as that which overspread the land of Egypt 
in the days of Moses. And as darkness is not substantial, 
but a mere privation, the palpability ascribed to that by the 
sacred historian must have arisen from some peculiar affec- 
tion of the atmosphere, perhaps an exceeding thick vapour, 
that accompanied it. I could not help conceiving at the 
time, that if every luminous body in the universe had been 
shrouded in impenetrable shades, or struck out of existence, 
the darkness could not have been more complete. A sheet 
of white paper, held within a few inches of the eyes, was 
equally invisible with the blackest velvet. Considering the 
small quantity of light that was transmitted by the clouds, 
by day, it is not surprising that, by night, a sufficient quan- 
tity of rays should not be able to penetrate the same strata, 
brought back by the shifting of the winds, to aff)rd the most 
obscure prospect even of the best reflecting bodies, 

" In framing this solution, you will observe that I have 
supposed a retarding power in the vapors that compose the 
clouds ; in other words, that the rays of light suffer a great 
diminution of velocity from the reflections and refractions 
which they meet with in their passage. This effect necessa- 
rily results from a want of perfect elasticity in reflecting bod- 
ies: for, should we suppose a perfect elasticity in the rays of 
light, (of which, however, we have no proof,) and allow a 
want of it in the vapours of which the clouds are formed, 
their velocity must be less after the reflection than before : 
should it be said that light is reflected from bodies, not by 
infringing upon them, but by a principle of mutual repellency 
between them, the probability of their suffering a retardation 
will be much increased ; because it is hardly conceivable 
that this principle, after having entirely destroyed the motion 
of light, should give it as great an impulse ns it first received 
from its source, the sun. If it does not, then a certain num- 



THE DARK DAY. 423 

ber of reflections must be sufficient to reduce the rays to a 
state of perfect quiescence; and those, which make their 
way through, must, at tlieir exit from the clouds, proceed 
with a velocity more or less diminished, in proportion to the 
number of reflections they have encountered. It is probable 
the refractions may also produce a similar effect. 

'* Thus, Sir, I have given you my ideas of the manner, in 
which the extraordinary darkness on the 19th of May was 
produced. 

" If my principles are allowed, I flatter myself the solution 
will not appear to you altogether unphilosophical. If, how- 
ever, upon a full and candid examination, you should see 
cause to reject it, I will thank you to communicate the rea- 
sons which lead you to do it ; and, if you please, to give me 
a better. 

" I have the honour to be, 
*• Sir, with high esteem, 

" Your most obedient and humble servant, 

" Samuel Tenney. 
" Exeter, Dec. 1785. 

" To .." 



The aforenamed 19th of May, 1780, happened on Fri- 
day ; there was nothing so particularly unusual in the ap- 
pearance of the morning, as to attract very special notice, 
or to deter people from going about their usual employment. 
The sun rose clear, and ,shone for several hours ; at length, 
the sky became overcast with clouds, and by ten o'clock, 
A. M., the darkness was such as to occasion farmers to leave 
their work in the field, and retire to their dwellings ; fowls 
went to their roosts ; and, before noon, lights became nec- 
essary to the transaction of business within doors ; the dark- 
ness continued through the day ; and the night, till near 
morning, was as unusually dark as the day. 



424 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



REMARKABLE PRESERVATION. 

Monday, Dec. 4, 17S6, Mr. Samuel Pulsifer, and Mr. Sam- 
uel Elwell, both of Rowley, were on the flats in Plum Island 
River, between Plum Island and Hog Island, digging clams. 
They left the clam ground and came to their hut on Hog 
Island, expecting to spend the night ; but a snow-storm 
cominf on very rapidly, caused them to change their pur- 
pose, and endeavour, at low water, to get themselves off the 
island. They soon got lost in going over the marshes and 
creeks; after wandering about some time, they found a 
stack of salt hay, in which they dug a hole and encamped 
for the night. In the morning, to their utter astonishment, 
they found the tide had risen so high, that they vi'ere obliged 
to leave their hole, and repair to the top of the stack. They 
were deprived of all hope, save a faint expectation that their 
weio-ht would keep the stack from moving off the staddle ; 
but a cake of ice soon struck the stack, and set it afloat. 
The winds blew, and the sea raged around them, while the 
heavens were darkened with the ftilllng snow. The land 
disappeared ; they knew not their course, and could discern 
nothing but the world of waters, agitated by a tremendous 
storm. Their stack at times went directly forward, and at 
others whirled around like a top, threatening every moment to 
break in pieces. On a sudden they felt the stack, on which 
they had thus far been preserved, separating under them. 
At this instant, another stack of hay, large and unshattered, 
came alongside of them, on which they had sufficient 
strength to leap. In this dangerous situation, they passed 
about two hours, exposed to the cold, snow, and water, 
which continually dashed upon them, by which time they be- 
came almost stupefied, and began to feel sleepy. They 
were driven into Smith's Cove, in Ipswich, between three 
and four miles from the spot where the tide first set them 



REMARKABLE PRESERVATION. 425 

adrift. Here, hoping and despairing by turns, they lay 
some considerable time, the stack being stopped about four 
rods from the land by cakes of ice. After a while, they per- 
ceived that the wind and tide were again carrying them out 
to sea. Pulsifer immediately threw himself upon the ice, 
and bid the other follow him ; Ehvell was much stupe- 
lied with the cold, but after some delay got on to a cake of 
floating ice, and succeeded in reaching the shore. Pulsifer 
got so near the land that he could touch the bottom with his 
feet, but his legs were so benumbed with cold that he could 
not put one before the other, and for a while thouglit he 
must perish within a rod of the shore. At last he bethought 
himself of putting his legs forward one after the other with 
his hands, and gained the shore in safety. 

The thought of being on land once more reinvigorated 
their almost exhausted faculties, and they ran a few rods, 
when to their dismay they found they were on an uninhab- 
ited island, instead of the main, as they supposed. To ven- 
ture into the water to gain the main would be immediate 
death ; and to tarry on the island was wholly impracticable. 
At last they found a stack of dry hay, in which they secured 
themselves as well as they could, and halloed for help. Pul- 
sifer spied a man on the main, and they called more vigor- 
ously ; but the man soon passed out of sight. Despair set- 
tled into their very hearts, and death seemed their inevitable 
portion. About three quarters of an hour after this, Major 
Charles Smith, of Ipswich, with his two sons, came within 
sight of the island, in search of some strayed sheep. One 
of the sons saw a man on top of a stack, swinging his hat, 
and crying for help. The Major, knowing the ground, went 
immediately on to the island, over a causeway covered about 
three feet with water, and brought off the distressed men, 
whom he took to his house and provided with every thing 
necessary ; and on the Thurday following, they returned to 
their liomes. 

3G* 



426 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

The foregoing account, substantially as here given, was 
taken from the mouths of the men themselves, by Rev. Eb- 
enezer Bradford, of Rowley, to whom the said men were 
near neighbours, and published in the Massachusetts Gazette, 
in Dec. 178G. The storm spoken of was one of very great 
severity, and the tide rose to a height scarcely equalled be- 
fore or since. All the salt hay standing on staddles in the 
Rowley marshes was removed mostly across the river and 
marshes to the lee shore in Ipswich, the wind being north- 
east. The winter was one of unusual severity. Rowley 
River was quickly covered with ice of sufficient strength to 
support ox teams, and people commenced going in pursuit 
of their drift hay ; but they soon found, that what little had 
landed, where it u-as accessible with teams, had been so 
wet, and was so much frozen and wedged in by cakes of 
ice, that it would scarcely pay for the labor of removing. 
Hundreds of tons were entirely lost to the people of this 
town by that one storm. 



BUNKER HILL MONUMENT. 

The Bunker Hill Monument Association was instituted in 
1823. Its officers were, John Brooks, President; Thomas 
H. Perkins and Joseph Story, Vice-Presidents ; Nathaniel 
P. Russell, Treasurer ; Franklin Dexter, Secretary ; with 
fourteen Directors. 

In the autumn of 1824, subscription books w^ere sent to 
the Selectmen of each town in the Slate, with a request that 
each person in the several towns might have an opportunity 
of subscribing to so laudable an object. Any gentleman 
who subscribed and paid five dollars or more was admitted 
a member of the Association. It was then estimated that 
the sum of $ 75,000 would be sufficient to defray all the ex- 
penses of purc^hasing the land and erecting the monument. 

To this object the citizens of Rowley subscribed and 



DESTRUCTION BY FIRE. 427 

paid $ 137. Fifteen gentlemen, belonging to the town, be- 
came members of the association by paying the sum of five 
dollars or more each, viz. John P. Cleaveland, Solomon 
Dodge, Paul Jewett, Joshua Jewett, Jonathan Lambert, 
Joseph Little, Benjamin Little, Robert A. Little, Solomon 
Nelson, Paul Nelson, Samuel Pickard, Joseph Pike, Ben- 
jamin Smith, Amos Saunders, and Mj^es D. Spofford. 



DESTRUCTION BY FIRE. 

Many buildings, no doubt, have been destroyed by fire in 
the town, of which we have no account. The first that we 
have knowledge of, was the dwelling-house of Rev. Ezekiel 
Rogers, accidentally burnt, on the evening of July 16, 
1651, O. S. 

In October, 1762, the dwelling-house upon the farm be- 
longing to the first parish, was accidentally burnt, by drop- 
ping fire upon a heap of unhusked corn then in the house. 

In the summer of 1769, the barn of Mr. Samuel Plumer, 
in the second parish, was set on fire by lightning, and 
wholly consumed with all its contents. 

In August, 1777, the meeting-house in the first parish was 
struck by lightning, and the spire and steeple much shat- 
tered. 

In the summer of 1780, the barn of Asa Todd was set on 
fire by lightning, and consumed with its contents. 

In or about 1781, widow Hannah Jewett's barn was set 
on fire by Lucy, a negro. 

In or about 1783, the dwelling-house of Paul Lancaster, 
in Linebrook parisli, was burnt by accident. 

In June, 1784, the dwelling-house of Joseph Jewett was 
burnt, by means of a defect in tlie oven. 

In September, 1784, the dwelling-house of Moody Spof- 
ford, in the second parish, was accidentally burnt. 

About 1789, the barn of John Johnson was burnt by 
lightning. 



428 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

1795. The dwelling-house of Israel Adams, by accident. 

February 23, 1802. Isaac Smith's house, by accident. 

1806. The dwelling-house of Henry Hilliard, by acci- 
dent. 

18J2. The store of Solomon Stickney, by accident. 

August 10, 1818. The barn of Daniel Jewett, by light- 
ning. 

August, 1823. Moses Todd's house, by accident. 

April 4, 1825. The dwelling-house of Stephen M. Nel- 
son, by accident. 

1828. The barn of Nathaniel Bradstreet, by lightning. 

December 28, 1838. The barn of Edward Todd. The 
fire was communicated by a dog, to whose tail spirits of tur- 
pentine had been applied, and then set on fire, out of mere 
sport, by some inconsiderate person or persons, the dog run- 
ning into the barn was the occasion of setting it on fire. 

1840, March 4. The barn occupied by Samuel P. Che- 
ney, in Byfield parish, by lightning. 



BURIAL GROUNDS. 

That in the first parish was laid out, no doubt, at the first 
settlement of the town, and contained about two thirds of 
an acre. Ellen, the wife of Deacon Thomas Mighill, who 
died March 12, 1640-1, was the first person buried there- 
in. In the first ten years, thirteen persons died, five of 
whom were heads of families ; the others were young per- 
sons and children. 

In 1703, the yard was enlarged by adding about half an 
acre to the southerly side, purchased of John Hobson and 
Thomas Lambert. At the same time it was further en- 
larged by adding about twenty rods, taken from the street, 
and was fenced with stone wall. The stones were taken 
from near the watch-house, on land that was Mr. Rogers's, 
near where the powder-house now stands. 

In 1760, the front wall was removed, and a close board 
fence substituted therefor, which was painted red. 



BURIAL GROUNDS. 429 

In 1788, the yard was again enlarged by adding one 
fourth of an acre to the westerly side, purchased of Nathan 
Lambert, Jr., for £9. 

In 1790, a faced wall was substituted for the board fence. 

In 1811, the front wall was rebuilt and capped with 
timber. 

In 1830, the yard was again enlarged by adding one 
hundred and thirty-nine rods of land to the southerly side, 
purchased of Captain Jonathan Lambert, for I 120. The 
whole expense of this enlargement, including repairs on 
fence, gates, &c., was about $ 250. 

A hearse was first procured in this parish in 1825. 

In 1736, seventy-two children died in this parish of 
throat distemper. 

The most ancient grave-stone, in this yard, has the fol- 
lowing inscription upon it, viz. 

"Hear lys what was mortal of y® worthy 
Cap. Moses Bradstreet, Deceased, August, 
Y'- 17, 1690, & in y« 47th year of his age. 
Friends & relations. 
You might behold, 
A lamb of God, 
Fitt for the fold." 

One fourth part of an acre of land, for a burial ground, 
in the second parish (now Georgetown), was purchased of 
Joseph Nelson, March 6, 1732-3, for £2 lOs. L. M. 
Mr. Nelson's wife and some others had been previously 
buried there. The first person, buried in this grave yard, 
was Hannah Nelson, wife of said Joseph, who died June 
5, 1732, aged forty-eight years. She was the great grand- 
mother of the present Jonathan Nelson, of Georgetown. Her 
maiden name was Hannah Brocklebank, a granddaughter 
of Captain Samuel Brocklebank, who was slain by the In- 
dians at Sudbury, in April, 1676. Her father, Samuel 



430 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Brocklebank, owned the place where Major Paul Nelson 
now lives. 

The inscription on her grave-stone is as follows. 

''PIERE LYES BURIED 
Y= BODY OF HANiNAH 
NELSON, WIFE OF 
JOSEPH NELSON, 
WHO DIED JUNE 5th, 
1732, & IN Y^ 48^« 
YEAR OF HER AGE." 

In 1755, this burial ground was enlarged by adding land, 
purchased of the Rev. Moses Hale. 

In 1805, it was again enlarged by adding half an acre 
to the westerly end, purchased of Job Brocklebank, for 
$50. 

Dr. Amos Spofford, one of the parish committee for 
making this enlargement, was the first person who died in 
this parish after it was made. He died December 20, 
1805, and was buried on the new ground. 

In 1806, a faced wall was built upon the front of this 
yard. 

Job Pingree was the oldest person buried here. He died 
April 25, 1785, aged ninety-six years, six months, and 
eight days. 

A hearse was first procured in 1819. 

The whole number of deaths in tliis parish, from June 5, 
1732, to November 5, 1785, a period of fifty-three years 
and five months, was four hundred and fifty-one, averaging 
about eight per year. The greatest number in any one 
year was forty-eight, (being about one ninth of the whole,) 
viz., from June, 1736, to June, 1737; forty-six were chil- 
dren who died of the throat distemper. From November, 
1785, to June 1797, a period of nearly twelve years, the 
record of deaths in the parish was but imperfectly kept. 
From June 7, 1797, (the time of Mr. Braman's ordination,) 



BURIAL GROUNDS. 431 

to June 15, 1840, a jieriod of about forty-three years, the 
whole number of deaths have been three hundred and 
eighty-seven, averaging nine persons per year. The great- 
est number, in any one year, was twenty-four, viz. from 
June 15, 1839, to June 15, 1840. The population of the 
parish, including all within the old territorial limits, was, 
no doubt, at any time during the last year, more than 
double to what it was in 1736 and 1737, when forty-eight 
died as above stated. 

The burial ground in Byfield Parish was first used as 
such in 1702. The first person buried therein, was Mehet- 
able Moody, wife of William Moody. She was the grand- 
daughter of that Henry Sewall who died at Rowley, in 
March, 1656-7. The inscription upon her grave-stone is 
as follows. 

" Mehetable, 
" Dater of Mr. Henry & Jane 
Sewall, wife of Mr. William Moodey, 
Promoted settling the worship 
of God here, and then went to 
her glorified son William, 
leaueing her son Samuel & four 
Daters with their Father, August y® 
8th, 1702, iEtat 38. was the first 
interred in this place." 
Joshua Woodman was the second person buried here, as 
appears by the following inscription upon his grave-stone, 
viz. 

"HERE LIES Y^ BODY OF M«- 
JOSHUAH W^OODMAN, 
WHO DIED MAY Y^ 30T4 
1703, AGED 67 YEARS, 
FIRST MAN CHILD BOR^E 

IN NEWBURY, 
& SECOND INTURID IN 
THIS PLACE." 



432 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Mary Brown was the first child born in Newbury. 

That fatal epidemic, throat distemper, first made its 
appearance in Byiield parish, in October, 1735, when one 
died. Before the end of October, 1736, one hundred and 
four persons (mostly children) died in this parish alone, 
supposed to have been about one seventh part of the popu- 
lation. Probably about one half belonged to Rowley part 
of the parish. In one family eight children died ; four of 
them were buried in the same grave. 

The first parish lost by throat distemper, 72 

" second '' '' *' " 46 

" Rowley partofByfield Parish, say 52 

" Rowley part of Linebrook " " 20 

Total; 190 
which was probably about one eighth part of the whole 
population of the town. 

1660. Thirty children died in the town. 

1698, February 15. Four persons, three adults and one 
child, were buried in one grave. 

172S. Tiiirty-two persons died in the first parish. 

1773. Thirty-seven persons died in the first parish, 
mostly adults, by fever. 

During Mr. Jevvett's ministry, viz. from 1729 to 1774, a 
period of forty-five years, ninety-four persons died in the 
first parish over the age of eighty years. The average 
number of deaths in the town for the last twenty years, has 
been one to about seventy of the population. The greatest 
number, in any one of those years, was equal to one in 
about fifty, and the smallest number, in any year, equal to 
one in about one hundred of the population. 

1730. The small-pox was in the town, when several 
died, and again in 1764, and at several times during the 
Revolutionary war, when several died. Formerly, when the 
small-pox was in Boston, the town of Rowley established 
a smoke-house, in which they required all persons and bag- 
gage from Boston to take a smoking. 



DEATHS BY CASUALTY. 433 



DEATHS BY CASUALTY, &c. 

1706-7, January 10. David Stewart, son of James, 
chpked with a copper, aged 4 years. 

1708, June 17. Mary Jewett, daughter of Joseph, 
drowned, aged 2 years. 

1710, Sept. 19. Samuel Lancaster, drowned ; he left a 
widow and several children. 

1711, December. Samuel Boynton, Jr., frozen, aged 17 
years. 

1713. Sarah Gage, daughter of William, scalded, aged 
4 years. 

1715, Aug. 12. Peter, son of Samuel Cooper, drowned, 
aged 19 years. 

1715-16, March 16. John Dolliver, son of John, 
drowned in Rowley River. 

1717, May 30. Abigail Leighton, daughter of Richard, 
found dead in bed, aged 1 year. 

1718, May 16. Simon Lull, only son of Simon, drowned, 
1723-4, February. James Brown, a child lost in the 

woods, and perished. 

1724-5, Jan. 6. Jonathan Lambert, son of Thomas, 
scalded, aged 7 years. 

1730, June 24. A child of Richard Clark, by small- 
pox. 

1730. Samuel Prime, drowned. 

1730, July 11 . Richard Clark, small-pox, aged 53 years. 

1742, April 16. Moses Wood, son of Thomas, by the 
fall of a gate upon him. 

1749, Oct. 15. Abner Todd, son of Abner,by a fall from 
a tree, aged 12 years. 

1752, Aug. 22. Abner Dodge, a child, drowned in a tub 
of water. 

37 



434 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

1753, Feb, 27. Dudley Lull, son of Thomas, Jr., killed 
by an explosion of gunpowder. 

1755, July 16. Joshua Stickne}, son of Stephen, of Lu- 
nenburg, drowned in the Falls River, by falling from a hay 
boat. 

1756, May 29. Moses Richards and Abijah Johnson, 
drowned in Rowley River. 

1759, August 13. Mr. John Noyes, schoolmaster, sud- 
denly. 

1760, November. William Bailey, drowned at Isle of 
Sables. 

1762, May 13. John Dodge, aged 40 years, Stephen 
Thurston, and Nathaniel Boynton, aged 50 years ; these, 
with 3 others, were lost by shipwreck near Annis Squam 
Bar, Gloucester. 

The same year, Jonathan Trask, and Joseph Hobson 
were drowned. 

1764, June 7. Charles Canada, a pedlar, was found dead 
in the road. 

About 1769, Daniel Kilborn was drowned in the Cow 
Bridge Creek, aged about 27. Left a widow and 1 child. 

1770, John Todd, by falling down stairs, an old man. 

1771, Nov. 18 or 19. Abraham Adams hung himself in 
the night. He had lived, to appearance, (says the record,) 
a life of virtue and religion ; his reason had failed some time. 
He was advanced in life. 

1771, Jan. 23. Nathaniel Clough, by a fall on the ice 
with a log of wood upon his shoulder ; he died instantly. 
Left a widow and children. 

1772, April. Caleb Jewett, drowned at sea; a young 
man. 

1772, March 20. Abraham Jewett, son of David, by a 
bean in his throat, aged three years. 

1775, May 4. Widow Mercy Chapman, drowned in Row- 
ley River. Her body was found near Safford's Point. 



DEATHS BY CASUALTY. 435 

1776, Feb. 14. Eliplialet Spofford, son of Capt. Elipha- 
let, by bleeding, aged two years. 

1777, Jan. 30. Elizabeth Spofford, wife of Moses, in a 
fit, fell into the fire, and was so much burned that she died 
soon after. 

1777, Sept. 12. Deacon Abner Spofford, instantly, by a 
fall in his saw-mill, aged 74. 

1779, Jan. 5. Jeremiiih Plazen, by small-pox, aged 63 
years. 

1780, June 1. George Ropkins, died while under the op- 
eration of extracting a stone from the bladder, aged 17 years. 

1790, April. James Wharf and James Page, of Rowley, 
with others of Newbury, were lost in a violent storm, while 
out fishing. They sailed from Newbury, old town, and the 
vessel was never heard from. Wharf left a widow and five 
children. 

About 1792, Thomas Collins, drowned. 

1793, Sept. 7. The wife of Aaron Jewett, of Ipswich 
Village, (belonging to Rowley, First Parish,) hung herself. 
She lived some hours after she was taken down. She was 
a professor of religion, sustained a good character ; toward 
the close of life, she was visited with distressing sickness, 
and lost her reason in a great measure. 

1795, February. Joseph Poor, a deacon of Byfield 
Church, died of apoplexy, when in the meeting-house upon 
the Sabbath. 

1796, March 10. Samuel Potter, of said Ipswich Vil- 
lage, was frozen to death while out gunning. 

1799, Jan. 4. John Johnson, fell down dead in the road, 
near Plain Hill, aged 79. 

1805, Aug. 5. Isaac Bradford, of Duxbury, an insane 
man, attempted to ford Row ley River, near Northend's Isl- 
and, and was drowned. 

1806, Nov. 26. Jonathan Stevens was killed by the 
wheel of a loaded waggon passing over his neck, aged 43 
years. 



436 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

1810, July 10. Solomon Dodge, son of Solomon, aged 
7 years, was accidentally killed with a scythe, by a little 
brother. 

1810, Oct. 9. At the house of Daniel Jewett, Mrs. Me- 
hitable, wife of David Hobbs, of Topsfield, by an injury re- 
ceived by upsetting a chaise. 

1810, Oct. 14, Sabbath day. Widow Miriam Fellows was 
found dead near a wall in a pasture, with a large stone upon 
her head, supposed to have fallen in attempting to get over 
the wall, on Friday preceding. 

1811, Jan. 12. Mary, daughter of Moses Dole, by a burn, 
aged two years. 

1811, Nov. 2. David Hobson, found dead in the west 
ox pasture road, with his face lying in a small run of water. 

1813, April 2. Elizabeth, wife of Peter Cloughlin, being 
in her house alone, was found burnt to death. 

1816, March 19. The wife of Aaron Crombie, by hang- 
ing herself, aged 48 years. 

1816, August 11, Sabbath day. David Edgerly, drowned 
while bathing in Rowley River, aged 24 years. 

1817, Dec. 8. Moses Scott, almost instantly aged 75 
years. 

1819, Sept, 28. Moses Johnson, found dead in a field, 
aged 57 years. 

1819, Nov. 23. Joshua Edwards, by designedly taking 
arsenic, aged 30 years. 

1821, May 5. Amos Spofford, by a fall from his horse, 
on training day, aged 32 years. 

1823, July 22. Stephen Dole, by a fall from a load of 
hay, in his field, aged 67 years. 

1823, Dec. 8. Caleb Chaplin, son of Caleb, by burning, 
aged 1^ years. 

1824, Sept. 19 Sophronia Pearson, found dead in bed, 
at the house of Widow Lucy Boynton. 

1824, Oct. 7. Enoch Dresser, by a fall from a horse, 
aged 48 years. 



DEATHS BY CASUALTY. 437 

1824, Dec. 11. William Lambert, Esq., apoplexy, at 
Gloucester, where he had gone to teach school, aged 52 
years. 

1825, April 5. Solomon Lowell, by a cut with an axe 
upon his leg, producing lockjaw, aged 25 years. 

1826, April 24. James Prescott, of Hampton Falls, 
N. H,, was found dead in Daniel Jewett's barn-yard, aged 
63 years. 

1826, Auor. 21. George Perkins, son of Abraham, 
drowned in Cow Bridge Creek, aged 16 years. 

1826, June 5. Gorham A. Jewett, son of Theodore, was 
killed by lightning, aged 10 years. 

1829, Jan. 2. Capt. Joseph Chaplin, found dead in the 
road, aged 49 years. 

1830, Aug. 26. Mary Eliza Perkins, daugher of Daniel 
W., by choking, aged 1 year. 

1834, Jan. 26. John Creasey, by a fall in his barn, aged 
67 years, 

1834, July 9. A hired man of Isaac Pickard's, by heat, 
aged 24 years. 

1834, Oct. 13. Hannah Gage, daughter of Thomas, lock- 
jaw, aged 32 years. 

1834, Dec. 20. Oliver Perley, by a fall at the step of his 
own door, aged 60 years. 

1837, July 3. Newhall A. Palmer, son of Daniel, aged 
17, and R. H. Read, of New York, aged 18; both drowned 
while bathing in Rowley River. 

1838, Sept. 11. Stephen Harris, by a fall from a horse, 
aged about 62 years. 

" Like leaves on trees the race of man is found, 
Now green in youth, now with'ring on the ground. 
Another race the following spring supplies, 
They fall successive, and successive rise, 
So generations in their course decay : 
So flourish these, when those are past away." — Pope. 
" It 's not the whole of life to live, 
Nor all of death to die." 

37* 



438 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 



A GENEALOGICAL REGISTER 

Of the Families of some of the First Settlers of Rowley. 



It was the desire of the publisher to have made a com- 
plete Register, of some one line of descent, from each 
family settled in the town before the year 1700, that now 
has one or more male descendants living in Rowley or 
Georgetown. But from the neglect of some families to 
cause their children to be put on record (as the law re- 
quires), it is found to be impossible to supply the connect- 
ing links, which are thereby lost. 

The following Register is as full and as perfect as the 
records will authorize ; and, in making it up as it is, the 
publisher has, in various instances, been obliged to resort to 
probabilities; and the probability is, that some of them may 
be erroneous. But he hopes the errors are few and unim- 
portant. 

1. James and Lydia. Had four sons ; John, born 1642 ; 
James, 1650; Thomas, 1653; Samuel, 1658. 

3. John and Mary (Mighill). Three sons; Nathaniel, born 
1675; Thomas, 1677; James, 1680; and two daugh- 
ters. 

3. Nathaniel and Sarah (Clark). Five sons; Joseph, born 

1701 ; Nathaniel, 1703; Josiah, 1705; David, 1707; 
Samuel, 1709 ; and two daughters. 

4. David and Mary (Hodgkins). Seven sons ; Jacob, born 

1731; David, 1735; Pierce, 1738: Amos, 1740; 
John, 1741 ; Nathaniel, 1743 ; Ezckiel, 1748. 

5. Ezekiel and Lois (Brocklebank). Two sons ; David, 

born 1780 ; Ezekiel Peirce, 1789; and six daughters. 



REGISTER. 439 

6. Ezekiel P. and Sally (Hobson). Five sons ; Charles 
Jevvett, born 1816; Ezekiel, 1S18 ; Frederic, 1826; 
Henry, 1829; Edward, 1834; and three daughters. 

1. Jane, a widow, with her two sons, Samuel and John, 

came from England. 

2. Samuel and Hannah. Had three sons ; Samuel, born 

1653 ; Francis, 1655 ; Joseph, 1674; and four daugh- 
ters. 

3. Samuel and Elizabeth (Platts). Two sons. John, born 

1686; Francis, 1691; and five daughters. 

4. John and Ruth (Spofford). Six sons; David, born 

1725; Jo/m, 1738; Samuel, 1741; Daniel, 1745; 
James, 1747; Thomas, 1750; and five daughters. 

5. John and Sarah (Fowler). Two sons ; John, born 

1784; Samuel, 1788; and five daughters. 

6. Samuel and Mehetable (Emerson), One son ; Samuel 

Hubbard, born 1811; and three daughters. 
The present Nathan Brocklebank is of the sixth genera- 
tion, and a descendant of the first Samuel's son Joseph. 

1. Hugh and Elizabeth. Had four sons ; John, born 1643 ; 

Joseph, 1646; Thomas, 1648; Jonathan, 1651. 

2. Joseph and Elizabeth (West). Four sons ; Joseph, born 

1673; John, 1674; Jonathan, 1677; Jeremiah, 1680; 
and one daughter. 

3. John and Margaret (Boynton). One son, John, born 

1717 ; and probably other children. 
4- John and Hephzibah (Jewett). Five sons ; Joseph, born 

1752; David, 1754; John, 1758; Daniel, 1760; 

Caleb, 1764; and five daughters. 
5. Joseph and Ruth (Wood). One son, Joseph, and one 

daughter. 



440 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

6. Joseph and Poliy (Bishop). Two sons ; Daniel, Eli- 
jah Parish ; and four daughters. 

1. Lionel and Rose. Lived and died in Ipswich; had a 

son James. 

2. James and . Came from Ipswich to Rowley in 

1681 ; had a son James. 

3. James and Mary (Thurston). Two sons ; Daniel^ born 

1722 ; James, 1725 ; and five daughters. 

4. Daniel and Hannah (Adams). Four sons; James, born 

1752; David, 1756; Richard, 1758; Daniel, 1760 ; 
and two daughters. 

5. David and Ruth (Searle). Two sons; David, born 

1809; Daniel, 1812; and five daughters. 
Lionel Chute, above named, was the first of the family 
who came to Massachusetts, and was descended from Alex- 
ander Chute, who, in 1268, lived in Taunton, England. 

1. Richard and Alice.* ' Had two sons ; Judah, born 

1644; John, 1650; and three daughters. 

2. John and Mary (Poor). Seven sons; Richard, born 

1677; John, 1679; Judah, 1682; Ebenezer, 1689 ; 

Jonathan, 1691, Joseph and Benjamin (were twins), 
1693 ; and four daughters. 

3. Jonathan and Jane (Pingree). Two sons ; Aaron, born 

1723; 31oses, 1727; and one daughter. 

4. Moses and Elizabeth (Pickard). Two sons ; Moses, 

born 1761; Aaron, 1766; and three daughters. 

5. Aaron and Elizabeth (Dresser), Four sons ; Moses, born 

1795; Aaron, 179S ; Joseph, 1808; John P., 1815 ; 
and five daughters. 

* Second couple married in Rowley. 



REGISTER. 441 

1. Thomas and Jenet. Had two sons ; James, born 1640; 

Thomas, 1G55 ; and four daughters. 

2. James and Rebecca. Five sons; Thomas^ born 1006; 

John, 1672; James, 1678; Samuel, HJSl ; Ivory, 
16S4 ; and four daugluers. 

3. Thomas and Elizabeth (Platts). Four sons; John, 

born 1692; Thomas, 1694; Jonathan, 1701 ; Joseph 
1707 ; and one daughter. 

4. Joseph and Sarali. Five sons ; Joseph, born 1734 ; 

Mark, 1735 ; Nathaniel, 1737 ; William, 1742 ; 
Moses, 1744 ; and two daughters. 

5. William andMartha(Wairmford).Oneson, Jame.Sjb. 1771. 

" and Priscilla (Foster). One son, Abraham, 1778. 
*' and Mercy (Phillips). One son, William, born 
1785 ; and three daughters. 

6. James and Dolly, (Foster). One son, Silvanus. 

mtmmw 

1. John and Mary. Had two sons, Samuel, born 1643; 

Jonathan, 1646; and two daughters. 

2. Samuel and Mary (Leaver). Seven sons, Samuel, born 

1673; Joseph, 1682; Thomas, 1685; Jeremiah, 1687; 
Benjamin, 1689; Henry, 1692; one name unknown, 
born 1679. 

3. Samuel and Mary (Burpee). Three sons, Daniel, born 

1703; Samuel, 1707; David^ 1700; and three daugh- 
ters. 

4. David and Mary. Two sons, Joseph, born 1739 ; Amo?, 

1744; and two daughters. 

5. Joseph and Hannah (Dickinson). One son, Joseph, 

born 1780; and two daughters. 

6. Joseph and Jane (Saunders). 



442 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

1. John. Game to Ipswich with John Winthrop, Jr., in 

March, 1633. His wife, Anna, died there in June, 

1658. In November following, he married 

Keyes. He removed to Rowley as early as 1664. 
Benjamin, Daniel, Jonathan, Samuel, and prob- 
ably Thomas, born 1656, were his sons by his first 
wife. 

2. Thomas * and Sarah. IJad two sons, Thomas, born 

1678 ; William, 1680 ; and four daughters ; all born 
in Beverly. 
" and Elizabeth, One daughter, Elizabeth, born in 
Rowley, 1698. 

3. William and Mercy (Barker). Three sons, ThoDias, horn 

1711; William, 1715; Nathaniel, 1726; and four 
daughters. 

4. Thomas and Apphia (Nelson). Two sons, William, horn 

1752; Thomas, 1755; and four daughters. 

5. William and Hannah (Mighill). One son, Thomas, born 

1774 ; and two daughters. 

6. Thomas and Mary (Dole). Two sons, William Jewett, 

born 1810; Caleb Strong, 1815; and two daughters. 

1. Leonard and Margaret. Had three sons; John, born 
1650 ; Matthew, 1652 ; Jonathan, 1657 ; and one 

daughter. 

* In 1C80, this Thomas Gage (who was a blacksmith), purchased 
real estate in Beverly, of Josiah Hascall, upon which he probably 
lived until 1G97, when he purchased of Samuel Mighill that home- 
stead in Rowley, now called the Gage place, upon which he moved his 
family the same year. This place remained in the family five genera- 
tions, and till the death of Thomas Gage, Jr. in 1822, who died with- 
out issue. He settled his eldest son, Thomas, upon that piece of landj 
called the Hobson Close, at Symonds's. This was also bought of 
Mighill. The old cellar is now visible. 



REGISTER. 443 

2. Jonathan and Sarah. One daughter, born 16S6. 

" and Margaret (Wood), Six sons ; Jonathan, 
1692; Leonard, 1694 ; Nathaniel, 1696 ; John, 1703; 
Samuel, 1705; Jeremiah, 1709 ; and two daughters. 

3. Leonard and Martha (Plumer). One son, Jonathan, 

born 1715. 

4. Jonathan and Martha. One son; Jonathan, born 1780; 

and two daughters. 

5. Jonathan and Sarah (Molton). Two sons ; Jesse P., 

born 1803; George, 1815; and six daughters. 

1. John and Bridget. Had three sons ; John, born 1649 ; 

Thomas, 1651 ; Timothy, 1657. 

2. Timothy and Phebe (Pearson). Three sons; Joseph, 

born 1686; John, 1695; Stephen, 1700; and seven 
daughters. 

3. John and Two sons ; John, born 1730; Timothy, 

1737 ; and three daughters. 

4. Timothy and Eunice (Jewett). Six sons; Jeremiah, 

Timothy, John, Nathaniel, Stephen, Daniel, and one 
daughter. 

5. John and Ruth (Pickard). One son ; John, born 1805 ; 

and one daughter. 

6. John. 

1. William and Ann (Reynor). Had three sons, Hum- 

phrey, born 1655; John, 1657; William, 1659. 

2. Humphrey and Elizabeth (Northend). One son, Hum- 

phrey, born 1684. 

3. Humphrey and Mehitable (Payson). Two sons, Hum- 

phrey, born 1718; Samuel, 1728; and two daughters. 

4. Humphrey and Prisciila (Perkins, alias Jewett). One 

son, Humphrey, born 1757; and three daughters. 



444 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

5. Humphrey and Sarah (Mighill). Two sons, HumpTirey y 

born 1790; Nathaniel, 1792; and two daughters. 

6. Humphrey. 



1. William and Ann, as above. 

2. John and Dorcas (Pearson). Had three sons, Hum- 

phrey, born 1702; 3Ioses, 1704; John, 1707. 

3. Moses and Lydia (Lancaster). Had five sons, John, 

born 1729; Samuel, 17S1 ; Daniel, 1732; Moses, 
1735; David, 1739; and three daughters. 

4. John and Martha (Pool). One son, Moses, born 1754. 

5. Moses and Sarah (Jewett). Five sons, Nathan, Elipha- 

let, Moses and Aaron, (twins,) and Jewett. 

6. Nathan and Mary (Pierce). Three sons, William P., 

born 1812 ; Elnathan, 1817 ; Ebenezer, 1825 : and 
seven daughters. 

7. William P. and Harriet (Lambert). 

1. Joseph and Mary. Had two sons ; Nehemiah, born 

1643 ; Joseph, 1656; and four daughters. 

2. Joseph and Rebecca (Law). Two sons ; Jonathan, 

born 1679 ; Aquilla, 1684 ; and two daughters. 

3. Jonathan and Mary (Wicom). Six sons ; Joseph, born 

1700; Benjamin, 1703; Jedidiah, 1705; Jacob, 1709; 
Mark, 1713; Moses, 1715; and one daughter. 

4. Jacob and Bethiah (Boynton). Three sons ; Jacob, 

born 1747 ; Joseph, 1749 ; Samuel, 1752. 

5. Joseph and Hannah (Gage, alias Mighill). Four sons ; 

Joseph M., born 1782 ; William, 1788 ; Jacob, 1791 ; 
Samuel, 1793 ; and one daughter. 

6. Joseph M. and Elizabeth (Clark). One son, Moses 

Clark, born 1830. 



REGISTER. 445 

1. Maximilian and Sarah. Had one son; Ezeldel, born 

1G43; and six daughters. 

2. Ezekiel and Faith (Parrot). Six sons ; Francis, born 

1665; Thomas, 166G; Ezekiel, 1669; Maximilian, 
1672; Nathaniel, 1681; Stephen, 1683; and three 
daughters. 

3. Maximilian and Sarah. Two sons; Seth, born 1704; 

Jeremiah, 1720; and seven daughters. 

4. Jeremiah and Elizabeth ; five sons ; Maximilian, born 

1743; Jeremiah, 1745; Samuel, 1747; Seth, 1756; 

William, 1760 ; and two daughters. 

("Maximilian and Molly (Pearson). Two sons ; David, 

born 17S1 ; Maximilian, 1786; and two daughters. 

Jeremiah and Sarah (Jackmnn). Three sons; Timo- 

5- <J thy, born 1775; Jeremiah, 1778; Isaiah, 1784; and 

three daughters. 

Samuel and Miriam (Pool). Four sons ; Ebenezer, born 

1771 ; William, 1773; Samuel, 1786; Robert, 1790. 

3Jetoett. 

1. Joseph, a nephew of Joseph and Maximilian. His wife's 

name was Ann. They had one son Joseph, born 
1656 ; and one daughter. 

2. Joseph and Ruth (Wood). Had two sons; Joseph, 

Joshua, born 1695 ; and four daughters. 

3. Joshua and Mary (Todd). Two sons; Joshua, born 

1738; Paul, 1739; and one daughter. 

4. Paul and Jane (Payson). Four sons; Paul, born 1760; 

Joshua, 1768 ; Eliphalet, 1776 ; Paul, 1780 ; and four 
daughters. 

5. Joshua and Phebe (Harris). Three sons ; John Harris, 

born 1799; Joshua, 1801 ; Henry Gushing, 1803; 
and one daughter. 
38 



446 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

1. John and Hannah (Crosby). Had two sons; John, born 

1668, Samuel, 1671 ; and two daughters. 

2. Samuel and Frances (Wicom). Four sons; John, born 

1796 ; Daniel, 1702; Jonathan, 1710; Thomas, 1713; 
and two daughters. 

3. John and Susannah (Todd). Three sons ; John, born 

1728; Moses, 1735; Nehemiah, 1737; and two 
daughters. 

4. John and Mary. Three sons; John, born 1751 ; Na- 

thaniel, 1753; Moses, 1762; and two daughters. 

5. Nathaniel and Saiah (Annable). Six sons; Nehemiah, 

born 1780; Nathaniel, 1783; Matthew, 1791 ; Moses, 
1792; Benjamin, 1796; Paul, 1800; and six daugh- 
ters. 

6. Nehemiah and Abigail (Plumer). Three sons; Nehe- 

miah, born 1821 ; Thomas Gage, 1823 ; Samuel 
Plumer, 1828; and one daughter. 

1. Francis and Jane. Had three sons ; Jonathan, born 

1639; Gershom, 1643; Thomas, 1645. 

2. Thomas and Ednah (Northend). Two sons ; Thomas, 

born 1678; Nathan, 1681 ; and two daughters. 

3. Thomas and Sarah. Three sons ; Thomas, born 1711 ; 

Nathan, 1716; Jonathan, 1718; and six daughters. 

4. Thomas and Elizabeth (Hobson). One son ; Thomas, 

born 1748 ; and three daughters. 
" and Anna (Lord). Two sons ; Jonathan, born 

1763; Nathaniel, 1765; and one daughter. 

5. Jonathan and Hannah (Gage). Five sons ; William G., 

born 1798; Thomas, 1800; Frederick, 1803; Alfred, 
1807; Jonathan, 1722; and five daughters. 



REGISTER. 447 

1, 2, and 3. As above. 

4. Nathan and Deborah (Perley). Had one son Nathan, 

born 1753. 

5. Nathan and Abigail (Prime). One son ; John, born 

1779. 

6. John and Sarah (Bradstreet). Two sons ; John, born 

1808 ; George Nathan, 1821 ; and five daughters. 

7. John and Ruth Ann (Perley). 

1. Thomas and Ellen. Had five sons ; Thomas, born 

1639; Ezekiel, 1642 ; Timothy, 1644; Nathaniel, 
1646 ; Stephen, 1651 ; and two daughters. 

2. Stephen and Sarah (Phillips). One son ; Nathaniel, 

born 1684 ; and two daughters. 

3. Nathaniel and Priscilla (Pearson). Five sons ; Stephen, 

born 1707; Ezekiel, 1710; Nathaniel, 1715; Thom- 
as, 1722; Jeremiah, 1724; and five daughters. 

4. Jeremiah and Sarah (Lambert). Two sons; Nathaniel, 

born 1759 ; Thomas, 1765 ; and three daughters. 

5. Thomas and Mary (Scott). Three sons ; Jeremiah, 

born 1798 ; Nathaniel, 1801 ; and two daughters. 

6. Nathaniel and Maria (Proctor). Two sons ; Charles P., 

born 1830 ; Thomas, 1836 ; two daughters, and other 
children. 



1, 2, and 3. As above. 

4. Stephen and Elizabeth (Woodman). Had one son ; 

David, born 1736 ; and two daughters. 

5. David and Huldah (Dole). Two sons ; David, born 

1786 ; Stephen, 1793 ; and six daughters. 

6. David and Betsey (Mills). Three sons; John Mills, 

born 1815 ; Stephen, 1821 ; David De Witt Clinton, 
1831. 



448 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

1. Thomas and Joan, with two sons, Philip and Thomas, 

born in England; and one daughter (born here). 

2. Philip and Sarah (Jevvett). Had one son, Philip, born 

1659 ; and one daughter. 
'* and Elizabeth (Lowell). Three sons; John, born 
1668; Joseph, 1682; Jeremiah, 1686; and four 
daughters. 

3. Joseph and Hannah (Brocklebank). Three sons ; Jere- 

miah, born 1707; Joseph, 1710; Moses, 1711. 

4. Joseph and Ljdia (Pingree). Four sons; Aaron, Jo- 

seph, Moses, Stephen ; and four daughters. 

5. Aaron and Abigail (Williams). Four sons; Joseph, 

born 1769; Benjamin, 1770; Jonathan, 1772; Aaron, 
1778 ; and four daughters. 

6. Jonathan and Hannah (March). One son ; Sylvanus, 

born 1803; and two daughters. 



1. As above. 

2. Thomas and Ann (Lambert). Had four sons ; Thomas, 

born 1661 ; Jonathan, 1667; Gershom, 1672; Fran- 
cis, 1676; and three daughters. 
" and Mary (Hunt). One son, Ephraim, born 

1682. 

3. Francis and Mercy (Ray). Three sons; Solomon, born 

1703; David, 1707 ; Jonathan, 1713; and two daugh- 
ters. 

4. Solomon and Mercy (Chaplin). Five sons ; David, born 

1725; Jeremiah (about), 1728; Amos, 1736; Asa, 
1739; Solomon, 1742; and five daughters. 

5. Asa and Sarah (Mighill). Three sons; Solomon, horn 

1773; Stephen M., 1775; Thomas, 1776; and three 
daughters. 

6. Solomon and Elizabeth (Gage). Two daughters. 



/ 



REGISTER. 449 

1. Ezekiel and Ednah (Lambert). Had two sons, John, 

born 1658 ; Ezekiel^ liJbG ; and four daughters. 

2. Ezekiel and Dorothy (Sewall). Three sons, John, born 

1692 ; Ezekiel, 1697; Samuel, 1707 ; and six daugh- 
ters. 

3. Samuel and Mary (Boynton). One son, John, born 1734; 

and five daughters. 
" and Susannah (Scott). Two sons, Ezekiel, born 1755 ; 
Samuel, probably 1757 ; and three daughters. 

4. Samuel and Sarah (Adams). Two sons, Samuel and 

John; and one daughter. 

5. John and Nancy (Titcomb). Now of Newbury, have 

four sons, Samuel, Charles, William, and Enoch ; and 
two daughters. 

1. Edward and Jane, Settled in Roxbury ; had a daughter, 

Mary, born 2 day, 7 mo. 1641. 
" A second wife; had three sons, John, born 11,4, 
1643; Jonathan, 19, 10, 1644; Edward, 20, 4, 
1657. 

2. Edward and Elizabeth (Phillips). Had eight sons, Eliph- 

alet, born 1689; Samuel, 1693; Edward, 1644 ; El- 
iot, 1700; Stephen, 1701; Jonathan, 1703; David, 
1705 ; Phillips, 1707 ; and nine daughters. Three 
other children died in infancy. 

3. Eliot and Mary (Todd). Had five sons, Edward, born 

1728; James, 1731; Eliot, 1737; David, 1739; 
Moses Paul, 1744 ; and two daughters. 

4. Moses P. and Deborah (Gage). Had four sons, Moses 

Paul, born 1770; Eliot, 1773 ; Thomas, 1775; Da- 
vid, 1777 ; and two daughters. 
38* 



450 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

Thomas and Hannah (Scott). Had one son, Thomas 
Eliot, born 1813 ; and one daughter. 
5.<[ David and Ruth (Harris alias Pickard) Had two sons, 
Moses Paul, born 1821; Eliot, 1823; and four 
(^ daughters. 

1. John and Dorcas. Had five sons, John, born 1644; 

Samuel, 1648; Jeremiah, 1653; Joseph, 1656; Ben- 
jamin, 1658 ; and probably Stephen, 1663 ; and seven 
daughters. 

2. John and Mary (Pickard). Two sons, John, born 1674; 

Joseph, 1677; and four daughters. 

3. Joseph and Sarah (Walker). Two sons, John, born 

1702; Richard, 1705. 

4. John and Ruth (Hale). Three sons, Joseph, born 1737 ; 

Samiul, 1739; John, 1746; and two daughters. 

S^ Samuel and Elizabeth (Todd). One son, Samuel; 
and one daughter. 
John and Sarah (Thurston). One son, John, born 
; 1791 ; and five daughters. 

[All the above named males are now deceased. The 
five generations mentioned above have each been mill own- 
ers. The Pearsons at the Falls, in Newbury, Byfield Par- 
ish, are supposed to have descended fi-om the first above 
named John and Dorcas, and are mostly mill owners ; and 
many of those, by the name of Pearson, who have gone from 
this vicinity, and settled in other towns and States, have 
been or are the owners of mills.] 



^1 



1. As above. 

2. Stephen and Mary (French). Had two sons, Stephen, 

born 1687; Jonathan, 1693; and five daughters. 

3. Stephen and Hannah (Jewett). Four sons, Jonathan, 

born 1714; Moses, about 1716; Amos, 1719; Ste- 
phen, 1716; and four daughters. 



REGISTER. 451 

4. Jonathan and Sarah (Longfellow). Settled at Ipswich 
Village, Rowley Parish, and had six sons, Mark, born 
1747; Amos, 1750; Jonathan, 1754; Amos, 1759; 
Stephen, 1761 ; and Nathan, who was perhaps the 
eldest son. 

1. Samuel and Abigail (came from Ipswich). Had one son, 
David, born 1702 ; and four daughters. 

3. David and Elizabeth (Jewett). One son, John^ born 
1737 ; and six daughters. 

3, John and Lydia (Parley). Four sons, Samuel, born 

1770; Dauid^ 1776; Moses, 1779 ; John, 1782 ; and 
two daughters. 

4. David and Dolly (Scott). One son, David Eri, born 

1816. 

1. John and Jane (Crosby). Had two sons, John, born 

1653; Samuel, 1663; and three daughters. 

2. Samuel and Elizabeth (Bradstreet). One daughter. 

" Elizabeth (Hale, daughter of Thomas, Esq.). 
Four sons, Samuel, born 1689; Thomas, 1691 ; Moses, 
1()94 ; Joseph, 1701 ; and three daughters. 

3. Joseph and Sarah (Jewett). Four sons, Samuel, born 

1733; Jacob, 1735; Joseph, 1740; Jeremiah, 1744 ; 
and one daughter. 

4. Jacob and Salome (Smith). One son, Jacob, born 

176^3. 

5. Jacob and Tabitha (Pearson). Two sons, Isaac, born 

1788; Nathaniel, 1791 ; and one daughter. 

6. Nathaniel and Catharine (Smith). Two daughters. 



1, 2, and 3. As above. 

4. Joseph and Mary (Pickard). Had three sons, Joseph, 



452 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

born 1789 ; James, 1693 ; Moses, 1800 ; and three 
daughters. 
5. Joseph and Sarah (Gould). Two sons, Thomas Gould, 
born 1820 ; Joseph Warren, 1829 ; and one daughter. 

1. Benjamin. Was probably the son of Joseph, born in 

Newbury ,1656, came to Rowley as early as 1678 ; and 
married Mary Wood, daughter of Thomas. Had five 
sons, Joseph, born 1680 ; Benjamin, 1682 ; Thomas, 
1684; Stephen, 1688; Nathan, 1702; and four 
daughters. 

2. Thomas and Ruth (Pearson). Three sons, Thomas, 

born 1720; Stephen, 1724; Samuel, 1726; and two 
daughters. 

3. Samuel and Ednah (Poor, alias Plumer). Two sons,^ 

Samuel, born 1754; Benjamin, 1756; and one daugh- 
ter. 

4. Benjamin and Abigail (Savory). Two sons, John Sai>- 

cry, born 1813; Josiah Convers, 1817; and two 
daughters. 

5. John Savory and Sarah B. (Flarriman). One son, John 

William, born 1833 ; and one daughter. 

iioor. 

1. Henry. Was probably the son of John, born in New- 

bury, 1650, and married there ; his wife's Christian 
name was Abigail. They had two sons, Benjamin^ 
born 1696 ; Daniel, 1700 ; and one daughter. 

2. Benjamin and Elizabeth (Felt). Four sons, Daniel, born 

1723 ; Benjamin, 1728 ; Henry, 1732 ; Jeremiah,, 
1729; and one daughter. 

3. Henry and Sarah (Hale). Three sons, Daniel, born 

1755; Moses, 1758; Eliphalet, 1762; and three 
daughters. 



REGISTER. 453 

4. Daniel and Hannah (Goodrich). Two sons, Ebenezer, 

born 1791 ; Daniel, 1795; and three daughters. 

5. Ebenezer and Loraine (Rogers). 



1 and 2. As above. 

3. Jeremiah and Johannah (Carr). Had five sons, Moses, 

born 1747; Jeremiah, 1757; Benjamin, 17(30; Paul, 
17G2; Silas, 176G; and four daughters. 

4. Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Wiilet), One son, Enoch, 

born 1783 ; and two daughters. 

1. Mark and Ann. Had one son, Samuel^ born 1649. 

2. Samuel and Sarah. Two sons, Samuel, born 1675; 

Mark, 1680 ; and two daughters. 

3. Mark and Jane (Lambert). Three sons, Thomas, born 

1710; Mark, 1714; Moses, 1715: and three daugh- 
ters. 

4. Thomas and Abigail (Boardman). One son, Thomas^ 

born 1748; and one daughter. 

5. Thomas and Mary (Nelson). Five sons, Thomas, born 

1782; John, 1785; David, 1787; Daniel Noijes, 
1790; Nathaniel, 1792; and one daughter. 

6. Daniel N. and Mehitable (Scott). Six sons, Daniel 

Boardman, born 1815; John Scott, 1817; Thomas, 
1819; Nathaniel, 1821 ; David Henry, 1826; Sam- 
uel Scott, 1829 ; and one daughter. 



1 and 2. As above. 

3. Samuel and Sarah (Jewett). Had three sons, Samuel 

born 1707; Mark, 1710; Joshua, 1712; and one 
daughter. 

4. Joshua and Mehitable (Piatts). One son, Samuel, born 

1740. 
<' and Bridget (Hammond). Four sons, Josiah, born 



454 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

1753; Joshua Jewett, 1760; Oliver, 1764; Nathan- 
iel, 1768; and two daughters. 
5. Nathaniel. Of the firm of Prime, Ward, and King, 
New York. 

1. Benjamin and Margaret. Had two sons, Samuel, born 

1655 ; probably Benjamin, and two daughters. 

2. Benjamin and Susannah (Searle). Four sons, John, 

born 1681 ; Joseph, 1682 : Benjamin, 1687 ; SamueU 
1692 ; and two daughters. 

3. Samuel and Elizabeth (Bailey). One son, Samuel, born 

1726 ; and five daughters. 

4. Samuel and Bridget (Boynton.) Two sons, Benjamin, 

born 1753 ; John, 1757 ; and two daughters. 

5. John and Mehitable (Todd). Three sons, John, Sa??i- 

uel, and James Todd. 
I Samuel and Mary (Smith). Two sons, Benjamin 
Smith, born 1836 ; Samuel John, 1838. 
James T. and Lydia (Pickard). One son, William^ 
born 1836 ; and two daughters. 

1. Andrew. Was born in England, 1616 ; he came to 

Massachusetts. 

2. William. Probably a son or grandson of Andrew ; he 

was of Ipswich in 1667. He married and came to 
Rowley before 1690; his wife^s name was Deborah; 
they had one son, William, born 1690. 

3. William and Jane (Nelson). Three sons, Jeremiah^ 

born 1723; William, 1730; David, 1736 ; and three 
daughters. 

4. Jeremiah and Mary (Thurston). Three sons, Jeremiah, 

born 1761 ; Stephen, Jonathan, and two daughters. 



6.^ 



REGISTER. 455 

5. Stephen and Mary (Jewett). Five sons, Jeremiah, born 

1794; Jacob, 1798; Stephen, 1803; Benjamin 
Gardner, 1809 ; Richard Thurston, 1814 ; and four 
daughters. 

6. Stephen and Sally (Stickney). One son, Stephen Spof- 

ford, born 1830. 

1. Hugh and Mary. Had one son, Edward, born 1054 ; 

and probably a John and Samuel ; and four daugh- 
ters. 

2. John (probably) and Faith (Parrot). Two sons, John 

and Jonathan, (twins,) born 1659 ; and probably J5ew- 
jamin. 

3. Benjamin and Martha (Kilborn). Four sons, Moses, born 

1711; Benjamin, 1719; Jacob, 1720 ; Joseph, 1724 ; 
and four daughters. 

4. Benjamin and Elizabeth (Creasey). Three sons, Isaac, 

born 1743 ; Benjamin, 1756 ; Joseph, 1765 ; and four 
daughters. 

5. Isaac and Elizabeth (Hibbert). Nine sons, Isaac, born 

1766; James, 1768; Benjamin, 1771; Moses, 1773 ; 
David, 1776; George, 1779 ; Edward, 1784; Thom- 
as, alias Lorane, 1787 ; Amos, 1790 ; and one daugh- 
ter. 

0. James and Jane (How). One son, Edward, born 1796 ; 

and one daughter. 

7. Edward and Dolly (Clarke). Two sons, Edward Clark, 

born 1827; James Hibbert, 1838; and two daugh- 
ters. 

1. John and Elizabeth. Had four sons, John, born 1648; 

Thomas, 1650 ; Samuel, 1653 ; Francis, 1665 ; and 
five dauofhters. 



456 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

2. John and Sarah (Wheeler). Five sons, J<?7m, born 1678; 

David, 1681 ; Jonathan, 1684; Ebenezer, 1690; Na- 
thaniel, 1691 ; and three daughters, 

3. John and Dorcas (Hopkinson). Three sons, Francis, 

born 1701 ; John, 1704 ; Abner, 1705. 
*' and Sarah (Poor). Two sons, Daniel; Eliphalet ; 
and one daughter. 

4. Daniel and Judith (Follensby). Three sons, Moody, 

born 1744 ; William, 1746 ; Amos, 1751 ; and four 
daughters. 

5. Amos and Irene (Dole). Eight sons, Moses Dole, born 

1773; Daniel Moody, 1776; Peabody, 1780; Rich- 
ard Smith, 1787; Amos, 1789; Sewall, 1792; Mig- 
hill, 1794; George, 1797; and three daughters. 

6. Moses D. and Irene (Mighill). Two sons, Harrison 

Braman, hoxn 1806; Leverett Winslow, 1809; and 
two daughters. 

7. Harrison B. and (Kilam). 



1 and 2. As above. 

3. Jonathan and Jemimah (Treeth). Had nine sons, Da- 

vid, born 1710 ; Nathaniel, 1712 ; John, 1714 ; Abel, 
1719; Joseph, 1720; Jacob, 1722; Job, 1726; 
Jonah, 1729; Moses, 1732; and three daughters. 

4. Abel and Elinor (Poor). Four sons, Moses, born 1747; 

Paul, 1750 ; Joseph and Benjamin, (twins,) 1751 ; 
and one daughter. 

5. Moses and Hannah (Kimball). Three sons, Ahel, born 

1780; Joseph, 1782; Daniel Kimball, 1792; and two 
daughters. 

6. Abel and Mary (Merrill). 

1. William. From Hull in England ; was some time a 
member of Mr. Wilson's church in Boston, from which 



REGISTER. 457 

he was dismissed to Rowley ; his wife's name was 
Elizabeth ; they had six sons, Amos, who settled in 
Newbury ; Samuel, in Bradford ; John, born 1G40 ; 
Andrew, 1644; Thomas, 1646; William, 1664; and 
four daughters The two oldest sons were probably 
born in Boston. 

2. Amos, of Newbury, had several children ; his son Ben- 

jamin, born 1673, settled in Rowley. When he 
first came into the town, he bought a lot of new land 
on Long Hill, erected a log house thereon, in which 
he lived several years, then built a good framed house, 
which is now standing, and owned by Ira Stickney, 
one of his descendants. 

3. Benjamin and Mary (Palmer). Had s\x sons, Benjamin, 

born 1701 ; Moses, 1703 ; Joseph, 1705 ; Jonathan^. 
1707; Samuel, 1708; Thomas, 1710; and one daugh- 
ter. 

4. "Benjamin and Elizabeth (Spofford). Three sons, Ben- 

jamin, born 1740; Thomas, 1741 ; A?nos, 1746; and 
three daughters. 

5. Amos and Lucy (Searle). One son, Spofford, born 

1770. 

6. Spofford and Lois (Pike). One son, Ira, born 1797 ; 

and three daughters. 

7. Ira. 



1, 2, and 3. As above 

4. Samuel and Faith (Platts). Had three sons, Jedediah, 

born 1739; Isaac, 1741; Samuel, 1743; and three 
daughters. 

5. Jedediah and Sarah (Stickney). Had three sons, Thom- 

as, born 1772; Dudki/, 1774; Solomon, 1778; and 
two daughters. 

6. Dudley and Betsey (Davis). Two sons, Dudley and 

Matthew Adams, and perhaps others. 

7. Matthew Adams. A merchant in Salem, who has a col- 

39 



458 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

lection of ancient coins and curiosities ; he furnished 
several ancient papers for this work. 

1. William and Elizabeth. As above. 

2. John and Hannah (Brocklebank). Had two sons, Sam- 

uel, born 1690; John, 1700; and five daughters. 

3. Samuel and Susannah (Perley). Six sons, Samuel, born 

1716; Moses, 1723; William, 1726; Daniel, 1730; 
David and Jonathan, twins, 1736 ; and four daugh- 
ters. 

4. Moses and Sarah (Graves). One son, JosiaJi, born 

1759; and a daughter, Hannah, born 1763, and now 
living. She is the owner of a quarto Bible printed in 
1611, being one of the first edition after the transla- 
tion made by order of King James the First. This 
Bible is supposed to have been brought to this country 
by the first above named William Stickney, and to 
have been continued in the family. Select portions 
were read from it at the late Centennial Celebration in 
this town. 

5. Josiah and Martha (Elsworth). Four sons, Josiah, born 

1781; Moses, 1785; Jeremiah, 1790; Nathaniel, 
1792 ; and two daughters. 

6. Jeremiah and Rachel (Hobson). Two sons, Jeremiah, 

born, 1822; Edward Southwick, 1831; and five 
daughters. 

1. Thomas and Ann. Had four sons, John, born 1640 ; 

Thomas, 1648 ; James, 1650; Daniel, 1653 ; and two 
daughters. 

2. Daniel and Mary. Four sons, Thomas, born 1681 ; 

Daniel, 1694; John, 1696; William, 1698; Rich- 
ard, 1701 ; Ebenezer, 1703 ; and two daughters. 

3. William and Abigail. Had one daughter. 

" *' Mehitable. Four sons, Oliver-, William; 



REGISTER. 459 

Benjamin, born 1735; Richard, 1736; and two daugh- 
ters. 

4. Richard and Abigail (Perley). Five sons, David, born 

1766; Richard, 1768; William, 1771 ; Perley, 1773; 
Amos Jeioctt ; 1777. 

5. Amos J. and Lucy (Spofford). Four sons, Charles 

Spofford, born 1802 ; George Jewett, 1805 ; Milton, 
1807; Richard, 1810; and two daughters. 

6. Charles S. and Elizabeth (Nelson). One son, William 

Milton, born 1833. 



1 and 2. As above. 

3. Daniel and Elizabeth (Woodman). Had two sons, Ste- 

phen and Daniel. 
*' and Elizabeth (Bailey). One son, Nathaniel, born 
1724. 

4. Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Boynton). Two sons, Sam- 

uel, born 1748; Thomas, 1755; and four daughters. 
" and Sarah (Pike). One son, Enoch, horn 1763; and 
two daughters. 

5. Enoch and Jane (Searle). Three sons, Samuel, born 

1787; John Searle, 1793; William, 1802; and two 
daughters. 



1, 2, and 3. As first above. 

4. Oliver and Bettey. Had five sons, Moses, born 1754 ; 

David, 1758; Benjamin, 1761 ; Oliver, 1767; Sam- 
uel, 1769; and seven daughters, 

5. Oliver and Judith (Jackman). Two sons, Benjamin 

Jackman, born 1783; Gorham Parsons, 1794; and 
two daughters. 

6. Gorham P. and Ann C. (Lull). One son, Gorham Dud- 

ley, born 1830. 



460 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

1. John and Susannah. Had five sons; John, born 1655; 

Thomas, 1665 ; Timothy, 166S ; Samuel, 1670 ; 
James, 1672. 

2. Samuel and Prescilla. Three sons; Samuel, born 1696; 

Abner, 1700; Daniel, 1706; and one daughter. 

3. Daniel and Mary (Newman). One son ; William, born 

1729. 

4. William and Ednah (Jevvett). Five sons; George, born 

1754; Daniel, 1757; William, 1759; Moses, 1761; 
Moses, 1772; and four daughters. 

5. George and Lucy (Bradstreet). Four sons; Nathaniel, 

born 1780; 3Ioscs, 1782; William, 1787; George, 
1795. 

6. Moses and Elizabeth (Todd). Seven sons^; Charles 

William, born 1S09; Geo7^ge Albert, 1812; Frederic, 
1814; William, 1816; Moses, 1819; Edwin, 1821 ; 
Nelson, 1825 ; and one daughter. 

7. George A. and Ednah G. (Todd). One son. 



1. As above. 

2. John and Elizabeth (Brocklebank). Had four sons; 

John, born 1688; Samuel, 1693; Thomas, 1701; 
Joseph, 1704; and three daughters. 

3. John and Ruth (Lunt). Five sons; John, born 1717; 

Thomas, 1728; Daniel, 1739; Samuel, 1743; Ben- 
jamin, 1744 ; and four daughters. 

4. Benjamin and Elizabeth (Saunders). Five sons ; Wal- 

lingford, born 1778; Benjamin, 1780; Thomas, 1785; 
Edward, 1787 ; John, 1789 ; and two daughters. 

5. Edward and Sarah (Lambert). Four sons ; Edward, 

born 1822; Milton, 1824; Alvin, 1826; Charles 
Lambert^ 1828; and one daughter. 



REGISTER. 4gl 

1. David. Probably came from Newbury to Rowley before 

1669, and brought sons, John, Jonathan, and Jelhro ; 
a son Joseph, was born at Rowley, 1669. 

2. Jethro and Hannah (French). Had five sons ; Jethro, 

born 1692; Benjamin, 1695; Moses, 1700; Abijah, 
1702 ; John 1710 ; and two daughters. 

3. Moses and Jane (Plumer). Four sons; Moses, born 

1730; Jonathan, 1735; Rufus, 1740; Samuel, 1749; 
and three daughters. 

4. Moses and Mary (Wells). Two sons; Moses, born 

1760 ; Samuel, 1765. 

5. Moses and Sarah (Searle). Two sons ; Tristram and 

William; and one daughter. 

6. William and Sarah (Brown). Two sons ; Moses Brown 

and William Searle ; and one daughter. 

1. Thomas and Ann. Had seven sons; John, born 1656; 

Thomas, 1658; Josiah, 1664; Samuel, 1666; Solo- 
mon, 1670; Ebenezer, 1671 ; James, 1674; and four 
daughters. 

2. Samuel and Margaret (Ellithrope). One son ; Thomas, 

born 16S9. 

3. Thomas and Sarah (How). Three sons; Thomas, born 

1713; Samuel, 1721; Jonathan, 1723; and two 
daughters. 

4. Jonathan and Hannah (Dresser). One son; Jonathan; 

and two daughters; perhaps other children. 

5. Jonathan and Jane (Platts). Five sons ; John ; Ste- 

phen, 1784; Aaron, 1788; Ebenezer, 1790; Jacob, 
1793. 

39* 



462 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

6. John and Eunice (Stickney). Five sons; John Gilman, 

born 1803; Paul, 1807; Elias, 1810; Charles, 1818; 

Alva, 1821 ; and four daughters. 

N. B. In the foregoing Register, where a child was 

born between the 1st day of January and the 24th day of 

March, inclusive, in any year, prior to 1752, the double 

dating has not been used, but the latter year, indicated by 

the double date, has been taken. 



PEOPLE OF COLOR. 

But few, if any, resided in the town until after 1720. 
Soon after this time they were introduced as servants. 
From 1722 to 1780, the names of about forty different 
persons of color are found upon the records. Others were 
owned in town. Perhaps the whole number, during that 
period, might amount to one hundred, including children. 
From 1737 to 1768, sixteen died in the first parish. On 
the adoption of the State Constitution, in 1780, they all 
became free; and their number was soon much reduced. 

In the early settlement of the country, Indians were 
sometimes employed as servants. A female Indian, by the 
name of Marcah, served in that capacity, in Rowley, until 
her death, May, 1736. An Indian (name unknown) died 
at the house of Captain George Jewett, in Rowley, in Feb- 
ruary, 1776. 



POST OFFICES AND POST ROADS. 463 



POST OFFICES AND POST ROADS, &c. 

The Post Office in Rowley was established in 1804, James 
Smith, Postmaster. He has been succeeded by his son, Ed- 
ward Smith, Frederic Lambert, and Benjamin H. Smith, 
who is now in office. 

The Post office in Georgetown, formerly called " New 
Rowley Post Office," was established in 1824, Benjamin 
Little, Postmaster, and continues in office. 

The Post Office in Byfield Parish, called '' The Byfield 
Post Office," was established in 182G, Benjamin Colman, 
Postmaster, and continues in office. 

The great eastern route from Boston to Portsmouth has 
ever been through the First Parish in Rowley. The main 
road from Rowley to Newbury and Newburyport has been 
several times changed. The road first used was that which 
passes by the mills (first built in Rowley), by the Dummer 
Academy, over Thurlow's Bridge, so called, and so on by 
the house of Hon. Daniel Adams, 3d; and by way of the 
Four Rock Bridge, so called, to Old Town Meeting-house 
in Newbury. 

Thurlow's Bridge was some time a toll bridge previous 
to 1680, when, on application of the selectmen of Rowley 
to the General Court, the toll was taken off, and the county 
required to maintain it, as they formerly had done. 

In 1750, measures were taken for building a bridge over 
Parker River, at the place where Old Town Ferry was kept, 
which was soon after erected, and the public travel from 
Rowley eastward turned in that direction. This continued 
to be the Eastern Mail Road, until the Newburyport Turn- 
pike Road was made in 1805, when the mail route from 
Rowley eastward was again changed. Leaving the Old 
Town Bridge route, it passed upon the first old main road 
to where it intersected the turnpike road, and thence 
on the turnpike road to Newburyport. This continued 



464 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

to be the Eastern Mail Route until the present year (1840), 
the mail now being conveyed by railroad ; by which it will 
probably continue to be conveyed until some more expedi- 
tious mode shall be invented. 

When a mail was first conveyed from Boston eastward, 
has not been ascertained. From about 1770 to 1790, it was 
conveyed on horseback once a week each way between Bos- 
ton and Portsmouth. First, by Bartholomew Stavers, then 
by John Noble, and afterwards by John Stavers, all Ports- 
mouth men. Before the introduction of four-wheel car- 
riages upon that route, John Stavers fitted up a two wheel 
carriage, called a curricle, drawn by two horses, in which 
he could carry two passengers beside himself and the mail. 
On the introduction of four wheel carriages for conveying 
passengers, &c., entire new arrangements were made, and 
the mail was conveyed more frequently and expeditiously. 

'* April 20, 1761. Mr. John Stavers commenced running 
a stage from Porstmouth to Boston. The carriage a curri- 
cle, drawn by two horses, sufficiently wide to carry three 
passengers. It left Portsmouth on Monday morning and 
proceeded as far as Ipswich the same day, and reached 
Charlestown Ferry the next day. It left Charlestown on 
Thursday, and arrived in Portsmouth on Friday. The fare 
from Portsmouth to Boston was thirteen shillings and six- 
pence sterling ; equal to three dollars. It is supposed that 
this was the first stage which was ever run in America." * 

How long this carriage was continued, we are not in- 
formed ; probably not long. 

In 1794, a four horse stage run from Portsmouth to Bos- 
ton every other day, that is, went one day and returned the 
next. It left Portsmouth at half past two o'clock in the 
morning, and arrived in Boston at six o'clock in the after- 
noon. The passengers breakfasted at Newburyport, and 

*-*Adaras, " Annals of Portsmouth." 



POST OFFICES AND POST ROADS. 455 

dined at Ipswich, vvliere it took fresh horses, and only there 
on the road. 

In JNIay, 1774, the following advertisement or stage no- 
tice is found in ''The Essex Journal and Merrimack Pack- 
et," a newspaper printed in Newburyport at that time, viz. 

" Stage Coach 

'' That constantly plies between Newburyport and Boston 
sets out with four horses every Monday morning, at 7 o'clock, 
from Newburyport, and arrives at Boston the same day ; 
leaves Boston every Thursday morning, and reaches New- 
buryport the same day. Such ladies and gentlemen as want 
a passage from Newburyport to Boston, are desired to apply 
at the house of the subscriber, opposite to the Rev. Mr. Par- 
sons's Meeting-house. And those from Boston to Newbury- 
port, at the house of Mrs. Beal, in King Street. 

** It is hoped this very expensive undertaking will meet 
with encouragement from all ladies and gentlemen, as they 
may depend on the punctual performance, 

*' Of the people's most obedient servant, 

" Ezra Lunt." 

How long Lunt continued to run his stage is not known ; 
probably but a short time. 

About 1794, Jacob Hale and sons, of Newburyport, com- 
menced running a four horse coach regularly between New- 
buryport and Boston, which stage was continued by the said 
Hales alone, and by them in connexion with the Eastern 
Stage Company, until the rail-road superseded the use of 
stage coaches. The present Benjamin Hale, of Newbury- 
port, says he drove the first stage coach into the Eastern 
Stage House yard, in Boston, tliat ever entered it. The 
rail-road from Boston to Salem was opened for passengers, 
August 27, 1838. From Salem to Ipswich, Dec. 18, 1839. 
From Ipswich to Newburyport, July 17, 1840. From New- 
buryport tq Portsmouth, November 9, 1840, 



466 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

In 1754, Benjamin Franklin was Postmaster-General. 
At that time, a mail ran from Philadelphia to New England 
once a fortnight. Lie gave notice that the mail next year 
would start once a week the year round, whereby answers 
might be obtained to letters between Philadelphia and Bos- 
ton in three weeks, which before had required six weeks. 

In 1790, there were but 75 Post Offices in all the States. 
Now, in Massachusetts alone, there are nearly six hundred ; 
and in 1839, there were in the United States, 12,780, 

In 1755, the General Court of Massachusetts ordered a 
tax or duty to be assessed upon all pleasure carriages, and 
by the return made of such carriages, it appears there was 
then owned in the town of Rowley, 2 chaises and 7 chairs. 
In the county of Essex, 42 chaises, 282 chairs. In the 
whole Province of Massachusetts Bay, there were 6 coaches, 
II chariots, 326 chaises, and 970 chairs. Chairs paid a 
duty of 2s. ; chaises, 35. ; chariots, 5.s. ; coaches, IO5. 



OLD AND NEW STYLE. 

The manner of writing dates when this country was first 
settled, was by numbering the months. This practice pre- 
vailed in Rowley until about the year 1660. March was 
the first month, and February the twelfth. The twenty- 
fifth of March being Lady Day, or Annunciation of the 
Church, was the first day of the year. After numbering the 
months was discontinued, still the year commenced with the 
twenty-fifth of March, and so continued until 1752. In 1751, 
the British Parliament, by statute, provided that the then next 
first day of January shall be reckoned to be the first day of the 
year 1752, and that the day following the second? of September, 
1752, should be called the fourteenth, omitting eleven inter- 
mediate nominal days. By said act, bissextile, or leap years, 
are established every fourth year, excepting each hundredth 



OLD AND NEW STYLE. 467 

year, and of each hundredth year every fourth is to be a leap 
year, of three hundred and sixty-six days, commencing with 
the year 2000. 

The manner of computing time, (to 1751,) commonly 
called the Julian calendar, had been in use from the time of 
the general Council of Nice, in the year of our Lord three 
hundred and twenty-five. By the Julian Calendar every 
fourth year was a leap year of three hundred and sixty-six 
days, which calendar was discovered to be erroneous, by 
means whereof the spring equinox, which, at the time of the 
Council of Nice, in 325, happened on or about twenty-first 
of March, did happen in 1751, about the ninth or tenth day 
of the same month; hence the necessity of omitting the 
eleven nominal days in September, 1752. 

The correction of the calendar made by Pope Gregory the 
Thirteenth, in 1582, was immediately adopted in all Cath- 
olic countries. Although not established in England until 
1752, from this cause arose the custom of indicating the 
change by the use of double dates between the first of Jan- 
uary and the twenty-fifth of March in each year ; thus Jan- 
uary 23, 1G60- 1, has been written as the time of the Rev. 
Ezekiel Rogers's death ; the day being after the commence- 
ment of 17(31, new style, and before the end of 16G0, old 
style. The difference of stjle may be adjusted by adding 
eleven days to all dates previous to September 2, 1752 ; for 
example, eleven days added to the 23d of said January brings 
it to February 3d, it follows, that Mr. Rogers has been dead 
179 years on the 3d day of February, 1840. 



ANNEXATIONS. 



1784. Moses Bradstreet, Widow Hannah Bradstreet, 
Timothy Harris, and David Hammon, by an alteration of the 
line between Rowley and Ipswich, were all annexed to 
Rowley. 



468 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

1785. Jonathan Pearson, with his sons and estates, from 
the South Parish in Ipswich, were annexed to the First Par- 
ish in Rowley. 

Other families in Ipswich Village, so called, had previ- 
ously been annexed to said First Parish in Rowley. 



ITEMS. 



1644. Law made against the Baptists in Massachusetts. 

1646. Law against heresy. 

1656. Quakers first appeared in Massachusetts. 

1658. Law with penalty of death against them. 

1659. Several Quakers were executed in Boston. 

1661. King Charles the Second forbids further persecution 

of them. 
1665. First Baptist Church gathered in Boston. 
1692. Plymouth annexed to Massachusetts. 
1704. April 24, the first number of the Boston " News 

Letter" was issued, being the first newspaper 

printed in America. 
1710. Quakers build a meeting-house in Boston. 
1714. Great drought in New England. 

1716. Aurora Borealis first seen in England. 

1717. Feb. 18 to 24. The great snow in New England. 
1719. Aurora Borealis first seen in New England. 

1721. Inoculation for small-pox first practised in Boston. 
1745. Slaves were most numerous in Massachusetts. 
1749. Great drought in New England. 
1774. A bill passes the General Court of Massachusetts, 

prohibiting the importation of slaves, to which the 

Governor did not give his assent. 



VARIOUS ITEMS. 469 

1750. Paper money was suppressed in Massachusetts; 
issues of which had been made at various times by the Gen- 
eral Court. First, in IG90, as before stated, page 196. In 
1720, the Court made another issue of c£ 50,000, called 
Bills of Credit, and distributed the same to the several towns 
in the Province. Jonathan Bailey, James Todd, and Thom- 
as Lambert, were appointed Trustees, to receive the propor- 
tion coming to Rowley, and to loan the same to citizens of 
the town, in sums of not less than £ 10, or more than £ 20 
to any one person, at a rate of interest of five per cent, per 
annum. 

In 1728, the General Court made a further issue of 
^60,000, which was distributed and loaned in the same 
manner, and at the same rate of interest. 

In 1740, the towns were required to pay in to the Pro- 
vince Treasurer, their several proportions of the £ 60,000, 
both principal and interest. 

In 1755, the whole number of British subjects in Ameri- 
ca was estimated at one million and fifty-one thousand, about 
forty thousand of which were considered fighting men. 

1763. The number of Indians in Massachusetts was esti- 
mated at two hundred and twenty ; in 1786, they were re- 
duced to about one third that number. 

1769. John Wesley sends two Methodist preachers to 
America. They were the first regular co-preachers who 
came to America of this order. 

1771. Twenty-five newspapers are now printed in Ameri- 
ca, says Dr. Franklin. 

1775. Ai)ril 19. Lexington battle as before stated. 

May 10. Colonel Ethan Allen takes Ticonderoga. The 
same day Crown-Point is taken by Colonel Seth Warner. 

25. British General;? Howe, Burgoyne, and Clinton ar- 
rive at Boston. 

June. The American army in the neighbourhood of Bos- 
ton, consisted of about twenty thousand men. 
40 

( 



470 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

12. General Gage declared the Province of Massachu- 
setts to be in a state of rebellion. 

17. Battle of Bunker Hill, and Charlestown burnt. What 
number of Rowley men were in this battle is not known. 
The number of Rowley men then stationed in the vicinity 
of Boston, have been given on pages 282 and 283. A part 
of them were in the battle. 

July 2. General Washington arrives at Cambridge, and 
takes command of the American army. 

20. A Continental Fast was kept throughout the States. 

August. Paper money was first issued by Congress. 

November 7. A second petition of Congress is laid before 
the House of Lords. 

12. General Montgomery takes Montreal. 

December. Parliament declares the Colonies to be in a 
state of rebellion. 

31. An unsuccessful attempt is made against Quebec, 
when General Montgomery is killed, and Colonel Arnold 
taken prisoner. 

177G. March 5. Heights of Dorchester occupied by a 
body of American troops. 

17. The British troops evacuate Boston. 

23. Congress grant permission to fit out privateers. 

April. General Wasington arrives at New York. 

July 2. General Howe lands his army on Staten Island. 

4. Congress declares the United States indtpaidcnt. The 
same month they send three commissioners to France. 

6. Congress recommend to the several States to settle 
their forms of government. Virginia is the first to comply. 
The Constitution of Massachusetts was adopted in 1780. 

10. General Gates takes command of tl>e Northern De- 
partment, and orders the troops to retreat to Ticonderoga. 
General tlowe appoints Commissioners to grant pardons, 
and despatches Colonel Paterson with letters to General 
Washington ; but not being properly directed, he refused to 
receive them. His conduct was approved by Congress. 



VARIOUS ITEMS. 47 1 

20. Colonel Palerson had a second interview with Gen- 
eral Washington. 

August 27. Battle of Long Island. 

29. General Washington retreats from Long Island to 
New York. 

September 11. A committee of Congress held a confer- 
ence with Lord Howe, at Staten Island. 

15. General Washington abandons New York, of which 
General Howe takes possession. 

20. A part of New York was destroyed by fire. During 
this month several Cherokee towns were destroyed by the 
Carolinians, and many Indians captured and killed. 

October 13. Battle between the British and American 
fleets on Lake Champlain, when the British became mas- 
ters of the Lake. 

20. The British regain possession of Crown-Point. 

28. Battle of White Plains. 

November 28. An action in New Jersey between a body 
of British troops and a party of the Pennsylvania militia. 

December 8. British troops take possession of Newport, 
R. I. General Washington, with his army, now reduced 
to a small number, crosses the Delaware. 

15. Battle at Williamsburg, Virginia. Congress, appre- 
hensive that the Royal army will obtain possession of Phil- 
adelphia, publish an address to the people. Congress re- 
moves to Baltimore. 

26. Battle of Trenton. 

1777. Januarys. Battle of Princeton. 

March 23. Royalists, under Colonel Bird, destroy Con- 
tinental stores at Peeks-kill. 

April 5. American troo{)3 at Bound-brook, being attacked 
by the Royalists, were obliged to retreat. 

May 25. Colonel Meigs makes a successful expedition to 
Long Island. 

August 16. Battle of Bennington. 

September 11. Battle of Brandy wine. 



472 HISTORY OF ROWLEY. 

19. Battle of Behmus's Heights. 

" Congress removes to Yorktown. 

27. Royal army takes possession of Philadelphia. 

October 4. Battle of Germantown. 

7. Battle of Stillwater. 

16. The Northern army consisted of 13,216 men fit for 
duty. 

17. Burgoyne's army surrendered, consisting of 5,752 
men fit for duty, beside invalids. 

Nov. Two British ships of war burnt in the Delaware. 

Dec. Congress forms the plan of Confederation between 
the States. Number of Royal troops employed in America 
this year, was stated at 50,000. 

1778. Battle of Monmouth, and others. 

1780. Sept. 23. Major Andre, a spy, was taken at Tar- 
rytown, was tried by court-martial, and sentenced to be 
hung. 

October 2. Andre was executed. 



CONCLUSION. 

The compiler of this work has long had a desire that 
something in the form of a history of his native town might 
be published. He is quite sensible that the work might 
have been more interesting and profitable to the present and 
future generations, had a more competent person under- 
taken the compilation thereof; but as it is, he will only say, 
that he has endeavoured to discharge the duty which has 
devolved upon him in this matter, according to his best 
ability, and feels grateful for that kind providence which 
has brought him to the completion thereof, while some who 
expected to read its pages, and were actually subscribers for 
the work, have been called to their final account, and are 
now numbered with our fathers whose history we have 
written. 



INDEX 



A. 

Adams, John, President, petition to, 302 — his answer, 303. 

Allen, Rev. Jonathan, 41. 

Almshouse, 407. 

Andover, First minister of, 65. 

Andros, Sir Edmond, 1-57 — Justice Nelson informs, 158 — Select- 
men petition to, 160 — John Pearson's petition to, 161 — Philip 
Nelson's petition to, 163 — confined to the castle, 165 — fifty men 
sent to guard, 166 — escapes to Rhode Island, and is brought back, 
ih. — deposed, 167. 

Appleton, Madam Elizabeth, 21 — Sarah, 67. 

Arabella, Lady, died, 119. 

Artillery Company, 179. 

Aurora Borealis, 468. 

B. 

Balch, Rev. William, 42, 92. 

Bank, Manufacturers, 329. 

Baptisms, 31. 

Baptists, First Church, 39, 101 — Second Church, 40, 104. 

Barbour, Rev. Isaac R., 36. 

Battle of Lexington, 250. 

Beef for the army, 275, 279. 

Bell, in First Parish, 17, 84 — Second Parish, 34, 93 — Byfield, 35, 

36, 330. 
Bills of credit, first issued, 196. 
Blankets for the army, 251, 268. 
Blydenburgh, Mr. John, 24, 25. 
Boston church, persons from, 132. 
Boston, Rowley's reply to a letter from, 237, 241 — £40 granted by 

Rowley for relief of, 243 — Massacre, 245— Port Bill, 247. 
Boundaries, town, 134. 

41 



474 INDEX. 

Bounty to soldiers, 252, 254, 256, 257, 277. 

Boxfordj 43, 111 — incorporated, 367 — authorized to settle town 
bounds, 370 — Indian deed of, 378. 

Brackenbury, Mr. Samuel, 20. 

Bradford, Rev. Ebenezer, 25, 88. 

Bradford, town of, 40 — incorporated, 349 — addition to, 350 — In- 
dian deed of, 373. 

Braman, Rev. Isaac, 33, 94. 

Brentwood, N. H., sent to, to hire men, 274. 

Bridge^ Thurlow's, 463 — Parker River, ib. 

Briggs, Rev. Isaac, 43. 

British troops arrive, 245. 

Brock, Rev. John, 16, 51. 

Brocklebank, Captain Samuel, 182 — his letter to the Governor, 183 
— slain by Indian, 184 — descendants, 189. 

Brook, Town, to be cleared out, 144. 

Bunker Hill Monument, subscription to, 426. 

Burden, Rev. John, 39, J04. 

Burgoyne's army, surrendered, 257. 

Burial grounds, 428. 

Byfield Parish, 34, 95, 329. 

Byfield, Hon. Nathaniel, 35. 

By-Laws, 137. 

C. 

Casco, taken by Indians, 199. 

Castle William, 205, 246. 

Ce^Zar tenter-post, 148. 

ChamberUn, Elder Simon, 39, 104. 

Chandler, Rev. James, 32, 91. 

Chaplin, Rev. Jeremiah, D. D., 40, 105. 

Charter, ^rst one cancelled, 157 — opinion thereon, 166 — new one 
received, 167. 

Chatham, Lord, 248 — his address, 249. 

Chimneys, to be swept, 140. 

Church, first in Rowley, 11, 91 — baptisms in, 31 — first covenant of, 
67 — second in Rowley, 31, 33, 38, 91,94 — in Byfield, 37 - in 
Linebrook, 37, 38, 99, 101 — First Baptist, 39, 102— Second Bap- 
tist, 40, 104 — first in Bradford, 42, 107 — second in Bradford, 42, 
110 — Methodist in Bradford, 42 — first in Boxford, 43, 113 — 
second in Boxford, 43, 114 — Psalmody, 93 — of Boston, persons 
from, 132 — of Ipswich, persons from, 132. 



INDEX. 475 

Clam Banks, 319. 

Clark, Rev. Caleb, 40, 105. 

Classes for raising soldiers — 275, 277. 

Cloth first made in Rowley, 148, 149. 

Clothing for the army, 274. 

Coaches, stage, 4G4. 

Cocheco (Dover), guard at, 193. 

Coggin, Rev. William S., 43. 

College lands divided, 331. 

Colored people, 462, 4G8. 

Committee of Safety, 252, 254, 256, 259, 264, 269. 

Common land, how divided, 138. 

Congress, Continental, 248 — Provincial, 252. 

Constitution, 253, 260, 264, 265, 269, 270. 

Convention meets in Boston, 230. 

Converse, Elder Josiah, 39, 104. 

Councils, Ecclesiastical, results of, 70, 89, 106. 

Counties first formed, 136. 

Crossman, Elder Abijah, 39, 104. 

Cushing, Rev. John, 44. 

D. 

Dark day, 417. 

Deacons in First Church, 90 — Second Church, 95 — Byfield Church, 
98 — Linebrook Church, 99. 

Deaf and dumb boy, 72. 

Deaths, 45 — by throat distemper, 432 — by casualty, 433 — aged per- 
sons, 432. 

Deer, 403. 

Depreciation, scale of, 281. 

Destruction by fire, 427. 

Detached soldiers, bounty to, 304 — paid, 314. 

Distances from Rowley to various places, 414. 

Donations, 30, 34, 37, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44. 

Drafted men, 256. 

Dudley, Thomas, 118 — Colonel, 157. 

Dummer Academy, 330. 

Durant, Rev. Henry, 36. 

Dutch, Rev. Ebenezer, 42. 

Duty on paper, glass, and tea, 244, 246 — on carriages, 466. 



476 INDEX. 

E. 

Earthquakes, 22, 415. 

Easter Term, 156. 

Eastern mail- road, 4^6. 

Eaton, Rev. Peter, D. D., 44. 

Edward the Sixth, 6. 

Effigies burnt on Fort Hill, 244. 

Election, last Wednesday in Easter Term, 156. 

Eliot, Rev. John, 19J . 

Elizabeth, Queen of England, 7. 

Elwell and Pulsifer, remarkable preservation of, 424. 

Embargo, Resolves on, 305 — petition about, 306. 

Emigrants from 1G20 to 1040, 9. 

Endecott, Mr. John, arrives at Salem, 6, 118. 

England, war with, 309 — Resolves about, 310. 

English, Samuel and Joseph, Indians, 373. 

Estates of ministers, 50. 

Ewing, Elder William, 39, 10.3. 

Expense of Revolutionary War to the town and States, 291. 

Extreme old age, 45. 

F. 

Family Register, 438. 

Fast kept by the town, 230. 

Fences to be kept up, 140 — partition to be recorded, 140. 

Fencing stuff not to be sold out of town, 144. 

Ferry at Haverhill, 352. 

Fire arms, 259. 

Fire wood, preservation of, 144. 

Fire, destruction by, 427. 

F^rst settlers, when made freemen, 130 — when died, ib. 

First Parish, 315. 

Flint, Rev, Henry, 19, 74. 

Foot, Captain, tortured to death, 200. 

Fort William Henry, massacre at, 214. 

Fort Hill, effigies burnt on, 244. 

Franklin, Benjamin, Post-Master General, 466. 

Freemen, 153 — their oath, 154, 

French, neutrals, 208. 

French war, 205 — close of, 226. 



INDEX. 477 

G. 

Gage, Lieutenant Thomas, slain at Port Royal, 202. 

Gage, Capt. Thomas, at Lake George, 206— Colonel, at do., 223. 

Gage, Governor, 247, 248, 25L 

Gaspee, schooner, burnt, 247. 

Gates, and gaps, not to be left open, 140. 

Genealogical Register, 438. 

General Court, of elections, 153 — petition the king, 247 — held at 
Salem, 248 — at Watertown, 252. 

Georgetoicn, incorporated, 329. 

Goodrich family, killed by Indians, 200. 

Goods, sent back to England, 246. 

Gorton, Samuel, 149. 

Government , temporary, established, 157. 

Governor, how elected, 156 — Governor Bernard dissolves the Gen- 
eral Court, 244 — votes for, &c., 275, 408. 

Graduates, 385. 

Grafton, Rev. Benjamin C, 40. 

Guard, at Cambridge, 256, 257, 258. 

H. 

Hale, Rev. Moses, of By field, 34, 92, 97, 

Hale, Rev. Moses, of Boxford, 44. 

Hale, Rev. John, of Beverly, 197. 

Hancock, John, his vessel seized, 244. 

Harvard College, lands divided with, 331. 

Haverhill, the first minister of, 65 — guard at, 192, 193— ferry, 352. 

Henry, the Eighth, 6. 

Herdsmen, to keep on the Sabbath, 139. 

Heseltine, Robert, ferryman, 352 — his children, 353. 

Hills, height of, 114 — views from, 415. 

Hoadly, Rev. Ives, 41. 

Hobson, David, a prisoner of war, 279. 

Hog Islands, reserved for the Indians, 151 — marshes divided, 150. 

Hog yokes, dimensions- of, 140. 

Hogs, to be driven daily into the woods, 141— stint of, 142 — tavern 

keepers may have a double stint, 142. 
Holhrook, Rev. Willard, 30, 89. 
Holyoke, Rev. Elizur, 43. 
Horses, for the army, 274. 
House lots, on the several streets, 123, 
Houses and lands, how to be sold, 141. 
41* 



478 liNDEX. 



I. 



Impounding, horses, cattle, sheep, &c. 140. 
Incorporation of Rowley, 121. 
Independence, &c. 252. 
Indians destroyed by the plague, 1 17. 

Indian Hostilities, 178 — Treaty with, 202 — Hostilities again com- 
mence, 202— Difficulties with, 205. 
Indian purchases, 371. 
Ingraham, Rev. Ira, 41. 
Inhabitants, committee to number, 252. 
Instructions to Representatives, 227. 
Insurrection, Shays's, 2!J3. 
Ipswich Church, persons from, 132. 
Ipswich, vote about taxes, 158 —their selectmen fined, &c. 159. 



Jacobs, Lieutenant Richard, his letters to the Governor, 187, 188. 

James, the First, causes the Bible to be translated, 8. 

Jewett, Rev. Jedediah, 22, 84. 

Jewett, Joseph, Jr.'s petition to the Governor, 199. 

K. , 

Keeley, Rev. George, 40. 

King James the Second, ascension of, 157. 

King, Boston petitions him, 245. 

L. 

Ladder, to be kept for each house, 140. 

Lake George, men at, 206. 

Lancaster, burnt by the Indians, 190. 

Lands, common, how divided, 138 — how bounded, 139. 

Lands, divided with the College, 331 — among the parishes, 338. 

Lesslie, Rev. George, 37, 98. 

Lexington, battle, 250. 

Liberty tree, 243. 

Linebrook Parish, 37. 

Lives and Fortunes, the town pledge, 252. 

Louisburg taken, 205. 

LoveL Elder Shnbal, 39, 104. 



INDEX. 479 

M. 

Maj) of Rowley taken, 415. 

Marlborough burnt, 190. 

Mary, Queen of England, 6. 

Masconnomel, deed from, 372. 

Massachusetts, Colony planted, 117 — circular letter, 244 — claim, 314. 

Massacre, at Fort William Henry, 214 — at Boston, 245, 246. 

Mather. Increase, D. D., sent to England, 163. 

Meeting-houses, in First Parish, 12, 17, 24 — Second Parish, 32, 92, 
93 — By field Parish, .34, 35, 36 — Linebrook Parish, 38 — First Bap- 
tist, 38, 39 — Second Baptist, 40 — Universalist, 40 — First, in Brad- 
ford, 40 — Methodist, 42 — seating in, 73, 84. 

Men, for the army, number of, 292. 

Merrimack, lands settled, 341 — laying out of, 346 — town officers of, 
353 — meetings in, how warned, 354 — By-laws of, 354 — burial 
place, 356. 

Methodist Church, 42. 

Mighill, Capt, Thomas, at West Point, 273 — at Sewall's Point, 282. 

Military operations suspended, 280. 

Militia, major-generals of, 137 — drilled eight days each year, ih. — 
regiments to be trained one day, i&. — company officers of, 179, 
203 — artillery company, 179 — men impressed in 1675, 182 — three 
regiments in Essex County, 204 — return of, 209 — organization of, 
226 — minute men, 251 — to meet, &c., 262, 272 — one fifth of, or- 
dered to New York, 253. 

Miller, Mr. John, 15, 51. 

Mills, 410. 

Ministers, estates of, 50 — support of, 50. 

Mob, in Boston, 229 

Money, grants of, 252, 254, 255, 258, 259, 261, 263, 264, 269, 276, 280. 

Moose, 403. 

Munroe, Rev. Nathan, 42. 

N. 
Names, of first settlers, 130. 
JVeddock, Cape, Indians kill many at, 200. 
Nelson, Mr. Philip, 08, 158, 159, 163. 
Neutral, French, 208. 
Newburyport, turnpike road, 463. 
New-meadoics, (Topsfield,) 112. 
Non-importation, 230, 245. 
Northern Lights, 468. 



480 INDEX. 

O. 

Oath, of freemen, 154 — of residents, 155. 
Old and New Style, 466. 

Oliver, Andrew, secretary, 243 — Thomas, 248. 
Ox, roasted on Boston Common, 246. 

P. 

Parish;Rey. Elijah, D. D.. 36. 

Par^sA, First, 315— Second, 320, 326 — By field, 329 — farm leased, 

322— lands divided, 338. 
Parker River Bridge, 463. 
Parsons, Rev. Moses, 35 — Rev. Joseph, 41. 
Paupers, 405. 

Payson, Rev. Edward, 20, 77. 

Peace, with France, in 1763, 226 — with England, 280. 
Pemaquid, fort of, taken by the Indians, 193. 
People, of color, 462, 468. 
Perry, Rev. Gardner B., 42. 
Persons inimical to the States, 256. 
Pews, first built in meeting-honse, 84. 
Philip's War, 179 — men impressed for, 181 — his death, 191 — his 

head kept in Leonard's cellar, 192. 
Phillips, Rev. Samuel, 16, 17, 67, 73 — Rev. George, of Watertown, 

16,73 — Rev. George, of Brookhaven, N. Y., 17 — Rev. Samuel, 

of Andover, 18 — William, of Boston, Lieutenant-Governor, 18. 
Phips, and Mather, petition the king, 164 — Sir William arrives, 167. 
Physicians, .390. 
Plum Island, 134, 1.36. 

Plymouth, first settlers arrive, 9 — Colony of, 117. 
Ponds, 415. 

Population, of the Town and State, 397. 
Port Royal, taken, 194. 

Post, Mary, tried for witchcraft, 176 — sentence of death, 177. 
Post Offices and Post Roads, 463, 466. 
Potter, Robert, confined in irons at Rowley, 149. - 
President Adams, petition to, 302 — his reply, 303. 
Price, of articles, 267. 

Pulsifer and El well, remarkable preservation of, 424. 
Puritans, emigrate to Holland, 8. 



INDEX. 481 

Q. 

Quadrupeds, 403. 

Quakers, 4G8. 

Quebec, expedition against, in 1600, 194— unsuccessful, 195 — ex- 
pense of, 19G — men from Rowley, in, 197 — Capt. Philip Nelson, 
in, 198 — taken in 1759, 224 — Rowley men at taking of, 223. 

R. 

Ramsdel, Rev. William, 42. 

Randolph, Edward, 159. 

Reformation, from Popery, G. 

Register, of families, 438. 

Remarkable preservation, 42G. 

Representatives, instructed, 259 — choice of, 275 — list of, 383. 

Road, from Haverhill, 345 — length of roads in town, 414. 

Robinson, Mr. John, retreats to Holland, 8. 

Rogers, Rev. John, first martyr, 6 — Rev. Ezekiel arrives, 10, 55, 120 
— installed at Rowley, 11 — salary, 12 — buries his wives and chil- 
dren, 14 — his death, ib. — legacy to Harvard College, 15 — epitaph 
by Cotton Mather, 58 — his will, ib. — inventory of his estate, 64 — 
inscription on his monument, 66 — his bones removed, ib. — his 
confession before the court, 135 — Mrs. Mary's will, 69 — Rev. Na- 
thaniel, of Ipswich, 15— Rev. John, of Boxford,43 — Robert, burnt 
by the Indians, 194. 

Roiclcy, incorporated, 121 — bounds of, 134 — inhabitants of, will not 
submit to Andros, 158 — selectmen required to recognise, IGO — 
their petition to Andros, ib. — expenses of, for Indian wars, 197 — 
village of, 112, 

S. 

Sabbath, well keeping of, 151. 

Salem, first settled, 1 18 — sickness at, 119 — General Court holden at, 

248. 
S^ale of depreciation, 281. 

Schools, Sabbath, 30, 34, .38, 39, 40, 42, 44 — town, 392. 
Scott, Widow Margaret, tried and hung for witchcraft, 169. 
Searle, Rev. Moses C, 41. 

Selectmen, recognise, 160— their petition to Andros, 160. 
Separatists, 38, 101. 
Settlers, first, names of, 130 — other settlers, 132, 145. 



482 INDEX. 

j 

SewalVs Point, men at, 282. 

Shays's Insurrection, 293. 

Skepard, Rev. Samuel, 19, 74— Mr. Jeremiah, 20, 75. 

Ship, building, 318. 

Shires, or counties, first formed, 136. 

Slaves, 23. 

Small pox, 263. 

Smelts, 319. 

Smith, Capt. Joseph, 225. 

Soldiers, go to Cambridge, 251— blankets for, ib., 268 — called for, 
254, 255, 256, 257, 259, 261, 262, 263, 264, 263, 269, 272, 274, 276, 
279, 283, 304, 314— whole number furnished by the town, for the 
Revolutionary war, 292— for Shajs's insurrection, 297. 

Spofford, John, lease of farm to, &c., 322, 324. 

Stage coaches, first use of, 464. 

Stamp act, 127, 243, 244. 

State paupers, 407. 

Statistics, 403. 

Streets, town, first names of, 122 — to be kept clear of carts, wood, 
&c., 143. 

Style, old and new, 466. 

Sudbury, Indian battle at, 185. 

Swine, to be yoked, 140. 

Symms, Rev. Zachariah, 40, 105, 107 — Rev. Thomas, 41, 43. 



T. 

Tappan, Rev. David, 23. 

Taie5, two years immunity granted the town, 134 — to be paid by 
time fixed, or one third part more to be added, 141 — of 1691, 398. 
Tea, destroyed at Boston, 247. 
Temperance, societies, 45. 
Tenter-post, brought from England, 148. 
Tliurloic's bridge, 463. 
Timber, preservation of, 143. 
Topsfield, 112. 

Tories, their recantations, 234. 
Town brook, to be kept clear, 144. 

Town, meetings, how warned, 142— penalty for not attending, 143. 
Toicn, pledge their lives and fortunes in the cause of liberty, 252. 
Toicn clerks, list of, 382 — paupers, 405. 
Treaty of peace, with England, signed, 280. 



INDEX. 483 



Trees, in streets, not to be cut, 143, 144. 
Trooj), of horse, 208. 
Tropic bottle, 199. 
Tucker, Rev. James, 29. 
TuLlar, Rev. David, 28, 38. 



u. 



Universalist Society, 40. 



Valuation, of 1771, 400 —of 1781, 401 —of 1840, 402. 

Vessels, drawn by oxen, 319. 

Village, lands laid out, 35(5 — people of, may pay half their minister 
rate to Topsfield, 360 — their petition to General Court, 361 — offi- 
cers in, 364 —their petition for a town, 365 — town line agreed on, 
367 — incorporated as a town, ib. 

Votes, for Governor, since 1780, 408. 

w. 

Wages, of officers and soldiers, 226. 

rFar, with the Pequots, 180 — Philip's, 179 — with eastern Indians, 

192 — French, 205 — Revolutionary, 2-50- with England, 309 — 

expense of the war of the Revolution, 291. 
Watch-house, 204. 

Watertown^ Provincial Congress meet at, 252. 
Welch, Rev. Moses, 38 — Rev. Francis, ib. 
Wharton, Lord, a friend to the Colonies, 164. 
Whig, covenant, 233. 
Whitefield, Rev. George, 32. 
Whitney, Rev. John, 43. 
Whittingham, Rev. William, 21. 

Williams, Rev. Gilbert T., 37, 100 - Rev. Samuel, 41. 
Willmarth, Elder Ezra, 39, 104. 

Winthrop, John, arrives, 9 — Governor of the Colony, 9, 16. 
Wise, Rev. John, of Chebacco, suspended, 159. ' 

Witchcraft, 168. 

Wolf, General James, slain, 224. 
Wolves, 403. 
Wood, for fires, preservation of, 144. 







ERRATA. 




Page 


Line 






61 


32 


for Shatowell read Shatswell. 


68 


14 


" Jenney 


« Tenney. 


68 


29 


*' even 


" ever. 


82 


4 


after the word all insert to. 


98 


21 


for 1824 


read 1835. 


100 


28 


" when 


" where. 


166 


19 


" proved 


" pursued. 


203 


28 


" grandson 


" son. 


293 


6 


le 


« 16. 


316 


4 


" country 


" county. 


368 


4 


" Thomay 


" Thomas. 



:t 



j^ 



•^o 



